Brrrr! Emergency workers train for ice rescue.

Brrrr! Emergency workers train for ice rescue.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

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HART — Hart Area Fire Department and the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the US Coast Guard Station in Manistee hosted an ice rescue training exercise on Hart Lake Saturday, Feb. 19.

“We learn how to approach and rescue somebody with the tools we have,” said Hart Fire Chief Dwight Fuehring. “We go over what we should do and what we shouldn’t do.”

The annual training exercise has been a decades-long tradition for the firefighters and emergency workers.

Other participating agencies include Ferry Township Fire Department, Grant Township Fire and Rescue, Walkerville Area Fire Department and Mason-Oceana 911. 

Fortunately, an actual ice rescue in Oceana County has not occurred for several years, said Chief Fuehring. But the training is critical in the event that one happens.

“It’s always fun to get out there; put the wet suits on; and jump in the water,” the chief said.

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— Hart Area Fire Department photos