MAHOPAC – The Mahopac Falls Fire Department Dive Team, the only underwater rescue squad in Putnam County, is summoned for water-related emergencies, not only in Putnam’s six townships but in neighboring communities throughout northern Westchester and southern Dutchess Counties, when a crisis occurs.
To prepare for an emergency, members of the team train regularly to test the waters and refine their skills.
On Sunday morning members of the team not only honed their skills but acted as teachers when the Carmel Fire Department joined the training by traveling to Lake Mahopac.
Under the watchful eyes of the Mahopac Falls team, Carmel Fire Department personnel practiced navigation, docking, and equipment checks — all essential to ensuring team members are ready to respond quickly and safely when called.
Chief Christpher Tompkins described practice sessions as being critical.
“Our team works diligently to ensure we can respond promptly and effectively to any water emergency, since community safety is our utmost priority, both on land and in the water,” he said.
The team is among the Hudson Valley’s most highly trained and respected emergency response units.
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