Morristown and Township fire departments on thin ice…for good reason

TAKING THE PLUNGE: Morristown firefighters practice ice rescues at Burnham Pond. Photo by Berit Ollestad
TAKING THE PLUNGE: Morristown firefighters practice ice rescues at Burnham Pond. Photo by Berit Ollestad
0

By Berit Ollestad

Practice makes perfect, and that’s exactly what Morristown’s fire department was doing last week, under the watchful eye of Deputy Chief Jon Prachthauser.

Firefighters spent several days at Burnham Pond simulating ice rescues.   Morris Township’s fire department also came for a training session.

Photos by Berit Ollestad

This time of year, icy plunges always are a concern.  Although nobody could recall any recent winter rescues, Burnham and Foote’s ponds and Speedwell and Pocahontas lakes can prove risky when skating conditions are not quite ready.

Three Morristown firefighters are qualified to teach the ice rescue classes: Deputy Chief Prachthauser, Captain Bob Whitehead and Firefighter Nick Prizzi.

In addition to keeping local residents safe, Morristown firefighters also could be called upon to assist neighboring towns in such a rescue.

TAKING THE PLUNGE: Morristown firefighters practice ice rescues at Burnham Pond. Photo by Berit Ollestad
TAKING THE PLUNGE: Morristown firefighters practice ice rescues at Burnham Pond. Photo by Berit Ollestad

LEAVE A REPLY