Over 20 new students have been certified as Swift Water Rescue Technicians, hailing from fire departments across Texas. This certifying class took place in the controlled waters of the Comal River in New Braunfels this October, courtesy of an annual training hosted by the Garland Fire Department.
Starting in 2000, the training was initially focused on Garland's brigade but has since witnessed a steady stream of participants from Richardson and beyond. Teams from Wylie, Rowlett, and nearly every fire department in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have taken part in this vital survival training. Despite an occasional eager participant, the classes are not overfilling, with an average of 25 to 50 fire professionals attending, according to the City of Garland.
The program's reach is extensive. Garland Fire Driver Lonnie Green estimated that "more than a thousand Swift Water Rescue Technicians have come through the program over the years." These numbers indicate not just the popularity of the program but hint at the many lives that could potentially be impacted by each technician's skill and readiness to confront the wrath of untamed waters, per the City of Garland.
This training isn't a light affair. Besides the practical sessions in the relentless currents of the river, it includes classroom time to provide a well-rounded education. Currently, participating in Garland’s Fire Department are 18 Swift Water Rescue Technicians, all at Station 8. Yet, an estimated half of the department has undergone the class since its inception. However, the journey doesn't end with water; prospects must also complete operations-level rope rescue training to earn their certification.
