To the rescue – on snow and water

Published 4:00 pm Monday, January 13, 2014

JOHN DAY As the Scout motto says, Be prepared.

That was the goal for Grant County Sheriffs Office personnel, the Sheriffs Posse and the Grant County Snowballers last Saturday, Jan. 11, when they participated in a training session with a rescue boat next to Trafton Pond at the Seventh Street Complex.

The group of about 25 learned how to inflate, operate and deflate the Oceanid inflatable rescue boat and rapid deployment craft. Its one of two purchased by the Sheriffs Office in 2006; the other is assigned to the Grant County Snowballers.

Sheriff Glenn Palmer, who led the hour-long session, stressed the importance of maintaining good communication with dispatch and other responders. He also noted safety precautions such as never responding alone.

No less than two people, Palmer said. Your safety is a little more important that the person being rescued. If we lose you, we cant get to them.

The training included a question-and-answer period on a variety of safety and use concerns. Palmer also encouraged those present to examine the hitch mechanism to see if their snowmobiles need any hook-up accommodations.

Each boat has a trailer, and is ready for year-round use for river or other water rescue any time of year, and snow rescue in the winter.

Palmer said he felt this was a good time to hold the familiarization course, to help everyone be prepared, while enjoying winter snow sports, should they encounter anyone down or injured.

For more information on Oceanid inflatable rescue boats, which are made in Bow, Wash., visit http://www.oceanid.com/.