By Michael Heins
Havre firefighters gathered Monday at a pond behind Hill County Electric for ice rescue training.
The training, provided by Montana Department of Fish and Game, started with the roar of the chain saw to provide access, for the training team, into the icy water.
About 15 firefighters met with Bruce Knutson and Wendy Kaam of the Fish and Game for the ice rescue training exercise.
The whole purpose of the training is to learn proper ice rescue techniques, to learn how to use the equipment and to see what equipment will be needed.
"If someone falls into icy water we want to know how to get them out safely," said Dave Sheppard, Havre assistant fire chief.
A cold water rescue suit was used as each of the firefighters took their turn as the victim. The rescuers worked as a team and learned different rescue techniques from the Fish and game instructors.
"The training helped to build confidence in a rescue situation," Capt. Bob Keeler said. "It takes the fear away from the rescuer of the frozen and icy water conditions."
