2 days ago
San Joaquin County Sheriff's launch first-ever dive team for search and rescue, recovery missions
( — After two years of planning and preparation, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office has launched its first-ever dive team.
This highly trained unit will serve a critical role in the region's emergency response efforts, from search and rescue to vehicle recoveries for environmental hazard mitigation.
The Sheriff's office credits the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors for supporting the creation of the team, which officials say will result in faster response times across the region's miles of waterways.
The dive team is made up of ten deputies who underwent 80 hours of intensive training with Dive Rescue International and other hands-on classes.
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Heather Brent, public information officer with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, said that their goal is to have the best team, with the best boat patrol unit, and the best technologies, including SARbots- an underwater search and recovery robot designed for dangerous and difficult operations.
'It's 10 of our top deputies who tried out for the team, who are well-beyond capable of being part of this,' Brent said.
Brent stressed the importance of having the dive team in place for a quicker, more coordinated response, rather than having to wait for assistance from other agencies.
'Five calls since February of either vehicles that crashed into the water, or potential drownings,' Brent said. 'Three of those unfortunately turned into recovery missions for our dive team, but our dive team was able to jump in and assist.'
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Lieutenant Leo Conn with the SJ County Sheriff's Office says the team is currently used for removing vehicles, emergency responses, search and rescue missions, and recovery operations, as well as evidence collection in criminal investigations.
Conn said that saving lives is a top priority.
'The ultimate goal is preservation of life out here for the dive team, secondary is the recovery, to bring somebody home to their family for the closure,' Conn said.
Sheriffs said the dive team is also able to assist surrounding agencies when mutual aid is requested, enhancing emergency response across the region.
With training, technology, and teamwork at the forefront, the San Joaquin County Dive Team is ready to go beneath the surface where, in emergencies, every second counts.
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