Hampden County Sheriff's Office staff trains year-round with dive team
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Despite the winter season, members of the Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team, including staff from the Hampden County Sheriff's Office, continue to train to ensure they are prepared for water-related emergencies.
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This month, the team conducted training sessions at the Westfield State University pool, refining essential dive techniques.
With assistance from Myra Ahern of Westfield State University, the team practiced fundamental skills such as donning and doffing gear and mask clearing. They also tackled more advanced scenarios, including handling entanglements and performing self-rescue maneuvers.
Off-season training is a crucial component of the dive team's readiness, allowing them to maintain their expertise and stay prepared for emergency situations throughout the year. The Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team plays a vital role in search and rescue operations, often responding to incidents involving bodies of water across the region.
By continuing their training year-round, the team reinforces its commitment to keeping communities safe, ensuring that its members are always ready to respond when needed.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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