MANCHESTER, Conn. — For the first time during this winter season, Manchester firefighters have made their way to Salters Pond to literally get their feet wet.
On Thursday, Shift 4 from the Manchester Fire Department took part in ice and cold-water rescue training – something that warmer temps had precluded them from doing until now.
“We’re making sure the entire shift is familiar with the equipment and the different techniques we use to pull somebody out (of the ice),” Lt. John Medynski said.
Watching from the shore as the reps were happening, Battalion Chief Craig Webb said, that anytime there is a body of water with ice on top of it, there is a possibility someone will go through it.
"So, no matter where it is in town, we’re the ones who will go get them,” Webb said. “It’s a lot different these days, it seems like the ice comes in later, and leaves earlier and it’s very unpredictable.”
Medynski, a 12-year veteran of the Manchester Fire Department, added that the recent changing temperatures have created a freeze/thaw in waters across the area.
“Now more than ever it’s more dangerous to be venturing out on the ice so this is why we need to stay sharp," he said.
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