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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR MR ROBERT FITZSIMMONS IS A FULL TIME ESDA COORDINATOR WITH JACKSONVILLE / MORGAN COUNTY FOR THE PAST 24 YEARS. HE IS THE OWNER OF FITZ'S DIVE SHOP LTD. IN JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS. 'FITZ' HAS BEEN A DIVE INSTRUCTOR WITH THE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DIVE INSTRUCTORS FOR 36 YEARS AND ACHIEVED THE LEVEL OF ' MASTER DIVER TRAINER ' HE CURRENTLY HOLDS CERTIFICATES IN 10 SPECIALITY AREAS. HE IS CO-FOUNDER OF THE JACKSONVILLE / MORGAN COUNTY UNDERWATER SEARCH AND RESCUE DIVE TEAM AND HAS BEEN IN DIVE RESCUE FOR OVER 40 YEARS. Get your Severe Weather response guide here: Download .PDF ESDA DIRECTOR / COORDINATOR: MR O.D. TROUTMAN ES110 ESDA DEPUTY COORDINATOR: MR CHARLIE TAYLOR SW1 ESDA DIVE TEAM LEADER MR. PAT DRESSER DR-1 ESDA ASST. DIVE TEAM LEADER MR DEAN HAMILTON DR-2 ESDA SKYWARN TEAM LEADER MR DON CLARKSON SW2 ESDA ASST. SKYWARN TEAM LEADER MR DALE WINDHORST SW-3 |
On Saturday August 9th 2007- 60 divers gathered at Fort Massac to perfect their skills in search and
recovery.
"If it goes in the water and it needs to be recovered or lifted-- that's what these departments do," says
training coordinator Bob Fitzsimmons.
Divers say no matter what they're searching for, no two dives are ever the same. "It's not just drowning
victims or boating accidents, it's a weapon someone threw in that they used in an armed robbery or
something of that nature," says Pat Dresser with Massac County ESDA.
One consistency in the river-- it will always pose some dangers-- from currents, to boat and barge traffic.
Underwater, divers learn to handle hidden obstacles with sonar technology.
These detections can quickly alert divers to what was found so they can go underwater and make the
recovery. But trainers say coordinating between land and water is easier said than done.
Those on shore learn how to signal to divers underwater through hand motions-- ropes-- and a
communication device that's practically like talking on a phone.
Divers say it's teamwork that produces a safe and successful recovery. "The diver in the water is only as
good as the surface support-- if you've got good surface support behind you it really helps out," says
Zach Moore with Mermet Springs.
Organizers say 9 different organizations from throughout the area took part in the training. All members
of these search and rescue teams are volunteers.
By: Emily Eddington
eeddington@wsiltv.com
Video by Nathan Harre
nharre@wsiltv.com
You can view the above article at wsiltv.com here Click here
You can also view the video coverage by WSIL TV 3 here Click here to view it as it
Article Courtesy of WSIL TV 3 by Emily Eddington & Nathan Harre
River Search and Rescue Training
MASSAC COUNTY ILLINOIS-- Imagine being deep underwater with
only inches of visibility, and you have to locate something-- or
someone. That's the task at hand for dive teams throughout our area.
River Search and Rescue Training
MASSAC COUNTY ILLINOIS-- Imagine being deep underwater with
only inches of visibility, and you have to locate something-- or
someone. That's the task at hand for dive teams throughout our area.
Thanks to all that attended and helped out ! It was a great diving event.
Those who could not attend - We at Massac County ESDA look forward to training with
or working with you in the future. We are aware you had other commitments.
Take care Friends and God Bless
Special Thanks To Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniels for the great Breakfast !
To our Local ESDA Staff and the Fort Massac State Park Staff for their contributions.
O.D. Troutman - Director / Coordinator -------- Charlie Taylor Deputy Coordinator
------ Pat Dresser Dive Team Leader ----- Dean Hamilton Asst. Dive Team Leader ----
Those who could not attend - We at Massac County ESDA look forward to training with
or working with you in the future. We are aware you had other commitments.
Take care Friends and God Bless
Special Thanks To Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniels for the great Breakfast !
To our Local ESDA Staff and the Fort Massac State Park Staff for their contributions.
O.D. Troutman - Director / Coordinator -------- Charlie Taylor Deputy Coordinator
------ Pat Dresser Dive Team Leader ----- Dean Hamilton Asst. Dive Team Leader ----
