“ALWAYS EXPECT ICE TO BE UNSAFE”

Says Scott Holowach, long-time firefighter, EMT, ice rescue technician, and ice rescue technician trainer. On Saturday, February 18, 2023, Scott and Dan Reynolds of OBIFD taught an ice rescue course to 12 responders and responders in training from the three Harpswell fire departments. A lecture was held at the Orr’s Island Schoolhouse, followed by hands-on, in-the-water training at Pleasant Pond in Richmond, ME. That was the closest place that ice thick enough to stand on could be found.​

The outstanding response to this course is a milestone for Harpswell’s fire and rescue. A few years ago, Scott was the only ice rescue technician for Harpswell’s fire and rescue. This left a big gap because only trained and certified people should be attempting this sort of rescue, with several certified responders involved at each rescue.​

---

Read More