Gladwyne Fire Co. Achieves Swiftwater Rescue Status

On January 24th, 2014, the Gladwyne Fire Co. received notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner that it has met the requirements to be designated a “Swiftwater Type 2A Water Rescue Team.”

Gladwyne Fire Co. is the first in Montgomery County to reach this level, and only one of a few in the Commonwealth. Working to meet this goal for two years, every Gladwyne Fire Co. member was required to complete a minimum of 110 hours of training.

The certification is valid for three years. Since training and equipment is a major part of the certification, Gladwyne Fire has purchased many specialized items to assist in water rescues; including Special Ice Saws, GPS units, a Line Launcher, and an RDC (Rapid Deployment Craft). Members have also completed a 16-hour Wilderness Search class.

For more information on the team, or to enquire about membership, please contact Chief Blaine Leis or Assistant Chief/Team Leader Michael Schwarz at (610) 642-9586 (Station 24) or via email at waterrescue@gladwynefire.org. See also the company’s website at www.gladwynefire.org.