PORTLAND, Conn — Firefighters from both Portland and Middletown are sharing the story of a March 3 rescue at town's Brownstone Park.
It started with a late-night call from a male victim who had slipped down the steep banks of the former brownstone quarry. Portland Rescue Crews responded and then called neighboring firefighters from Middletown who are well-trained in “High Angle Rope Rescue.”
Battalion Chief Drew France led the 12-member crew from Middletown.
“This situation is what we call a low-frequency, high-risk (event) where we train for the worst-case scenario, and these guys brought their A-Game,” France said.
The rescue scenario involved two firefighters who lowered themselves via ropes to the victim who was stuck in some brush – a wrong move and he would have fallen 70 feet.
“There is tons of training that these guys do throughout the year for events like this,” France added.
The victim was secured by Firefighters Joe Repoli and Jake D’Amato who then descended to the water below where Middletown and Portland crews were waiting in Zodiac Boats.
“The gentleman was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and lived to tell the story another day,” France said.
“Everyone worked together, everyone worked well, and the outcome was a win,” said Chief Robert Puida, the new chief of the all-volunteer Portland Fire Department.
“It’s a great feeling showing up to something like this and watching your training and dedication pay off," Repoli added.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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