Water Rescue

In 1986, the company was investigating what was missing from the emergency needs of Gamber and Carroll County. It was decided that a water rescue team was appropriate addition to the existing inventory of the emergency services provided to the community. The the purchase of a Zodiac rubber boat, outboard motor, and trailer were approved in that year. This unit would be known as Boat 13-1 and would be trailered behind Utility 13.

In 1988, a 1987 Chevrolet one ton step van was donated by the Auxiliary to be used as a Water Rescue team van. It was out fitted by company members and could accommodate the needs of the dive team. With the ever changing needs for the service more compartment space was needed for tools and equipment. So in 2007, the 1987 Cheverlet step van unit was replaced with a 2007 International/Horton custom truck known to be DIVE 13.

Today, the Water Rescue team responds on average to 20 or more calls a year. These calls range from swift water rescues, drownings, and stand-by for possible jumpers off bridges or dams, to boats in distress, vehicles in the water, medical emergencies on the shorlines, brush fires along the shore and assisting police with recovery of stolen items.

The water rescue team consists of dedicated members derived from our active members that understand the need for a diverse rescue response team. Members of the Gamber & Community Fire Company, as well as members from departments through out the county have joined forces to accomplish this. The water rescue team is a complex team and utilizes many differant skill sets in order to run smoothly. From land support members, to boat operators, and swift water technicians to Divers, out team has trained to a high level of proficancy to be able to provide the best service possible to the community.

Our water rescue team is not just available to Carroll County however, we have been requested by: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Harford County, Frederick County, Anne Arundel County and York County, PA. We even train with the other dive teams in our region so we can provide an even higher level of service.

Any questions or for more info waterrescue@gambervfd.org

 *Now accepting applications for Satelite Divers, click here* Satelite divers must be a member of one of the 13 other Carroll County Fire Departments. If you are interested in joining the dive team, but are not a member of a fire company, please fill out an application for our company. That application can be found by clicking this link.