NEWS RELEASE
PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION, P.O. Box 1368, Jefferson City, MO 65102
| For further information contact: | Sergeant Gerard G. Callahan Public Information Director Phone: (573) 751-3333 E-mail: Jerry.Callahan@mswp.dps.mo.gov |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jefferson City, MO
Water Patrol Conducts Swift Water Training to Respond to Major Flooding
The Missouri State Water Patrol held a swift water rescue training course in simulated fast-moving flood conditions below the Pomme De Terre Dam near Hermitage, Missouri last week. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers increased water flow from Pomme De Terre Lake to create the swift water conditions needed for a realistic class. Ten Water Patrol officers and five Missouri Department of Conservation agents took part in the training.
"This is invaluable training for both the Water Patrol officers and the Conservation agents involved. These were very realistic conditions and our officers need this kind of experience in advance to be ready when flooding happens. This training will not only help with getting more victims out of flood water, but it will ensure the safety of the officers and agents," said Lt. Eldon Wulf Director of training for the Missouri State Water Patrol.
During spring flooding in 2008, the Water Patrol was very active in water rescues. These rescues occurred in some of the most dangerous conditions a Water Patrol officer will ever face. There were several close calls during the 2008 floods that caused the Water Patrol to explore better training for officers. On March 18 two Water Patrol officers' boat became capsized along with another agency's rescue boat while trying to help victims stranded in trees on the flooded Hurricane Creek in Southern Missouri. The Water Patrol and Conservation Departments also had boats capsize in Ellington, Piedmont, and on the Mississippi River. Fortunately in each instance the officers were able to make it to safety.
During the training Water Patrol instructors covered boat operations in swift water, self rescue techniques, rope and pulley rescue systems and other flood rescue techniques. Many of the techniques focused on methods of rescuing victims without putting a boat in the water because conditions are often simply too dangerous to maneuver a boat and perform a rescue. The rope and pulley techniques learned will allow the officers to better coordinate efforts with rescuers from other departments that have received similar training. The Water Patrol plans to expand this training both to be better prepared to serve Missourians and to ensure officer safety in times of disaster.
News Release ID: N07090175
Release Date: 20090929
