2024 ANNUAL REPORT - Final

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EMERGENCY SERVICES

Special Operations (continued)

Water rescue incidents are mitigated by specially trained personnel and watercraft housed at Fire/Rescue Stations around the county. Water rescue personnel respond to various types of rescue incidents on the water in Frederick County which include responses on the Monocacy and Potomac Rivers as well as still-water, flood, underwater and ice related rescue events in neighboring jurisdictions.

The Water Rescue Technician program 2024 projects and accomplishments

• The Team received a Letter of Commendation from Maryland State Police Homicide Unit for the assistance they provided in locating a missing person. • Increased training and response capabilities through the outfitting of 2 additional Demaree Inflatable Boats (DIBs) including a 16’ inflatable boat with a 65 HP Jet Motor. • 10 additional members of the team received advanced training and successfully completed Rescue 3 International’s Inland Rescue Swimmer course. • 10 additional members of the team received advanced training and successfully completed Rescue 3 International’s Rescue from Vehicle in Water course. •

The team continues to coordinate and conduct numerous multi-jurisdictional trainings and drills throughout the year. In addition, they played an integral role in the first ever Maryland Department of Emergency Management multi-agency large scale search and rescue exercise. The Exercise incorporated National Guard, Maryland State Police and National Park Service aviation units, numerous counties water and land fire/rescue units and spanned more than 8 miles of the Potomac River and adjacent riverbanks.

Water Rescue, Calls by Unit

Unit

2024 Responses

BT15

9 4 1

BT15-1

BT16 BT19

22

BT19-1 BT27*

0

15 27

BT28

AIRBT28

3

BT29*

16

BT900* BT900B*

N/A N/A

DIVE15

2

Total 99 These boats are primarily used for DFRS training but are occasionally placed in-service for operational response during known weather events.

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