YES!!!

[Chris]

I just got a call from the Sheriff’s Department down here in Rochester, they want me to become a member of their search and rescue dive team! I applied a few months ago and never heard anything back and they called me this morning!!! I am SO excited! I have to go to a meeting tomorrow at 6:30 for an overview... this is like a dream come true!

[lwright]

Congratulations!

Just out of curiosity, are Rochester search & rescue divers volunteers or is it a part-time job (If don't mind me asking)?

[Chris]

Volunteer

Ask anything you want...

[freedivernd]

Chris,
That's great! I've often thought it would be good to be part of a team like that. Like being a hero. Good luck at the interview. Sounds like if they're calling you, you must be "in".

Fred

[jasondbaker]

Hey Chris, I hope you never have to come looking for any of us! Good luck. I know there are a couple people on this board who are current/former FD divers. I will be interested to hear about the experience.

[tbrown]

Congrats, I think. More power to you if this is the kind of diving you want to do. The training in itelf is pretty intense, if you can do black water, you can do anything. It's an important job, and I'm always thankful there are people that can and will do it. Good luck!

[Chris]

I think the reality of it is that nobody really 'knows' this is what they want to do until they've done it. I've 'felt' that this is what I want to do for a long time, even before I was ever certified. My Uncle does this in California and that's what got me interested in it. There are lots of things I'm nervous about of course, but I think the hardest thing will be seeing the reaction of the family and friends when we get to shore.

At any rate, I'll find out more information tonight at the meeting. I'll post anything interesting here...

[jasondbaker]

Chris, any updates for us? Are you in over your head? (hmm.. pardon the pun)

[Chris]

Well, here's what I know so far...

6-month probation period where I will be doing my training

Meet once a month, train once a month (various locations)

Mostly recovering vehicles, snowmobiles etc. (from the sound of it)

Got my pager already and can go to the calls, but not help until the probation period is over

Was kind of neat though, we had a map of Eau Claire (where there is a suspected drowning) and we had to come up with a plan of action. Really interesting how it all works... determining location by time/current speed, etc...

[LKunze]

That sounds interesting Chris. Good luck...hope everything works out for you.