HAMLET — For the first time in recent memory, crews from Richmond County’s two municipal fire departments trained together last week.
Firefighters from the Hamlet and Rockingham fire departments, 21 in all, spent several hours at a secluded pond Aug. 29 training for water rescues.
Under the instruction of Mike Bartch and Nick Arrington, firemen from both departments maneuvered through a boater driving course and practiced using throw bags and ropes — from boat and shore — to rescue those who may need help in the water.
— William R. Toler
William R. Toler | Daily Journal Firefighters from Rockingham move toward those from the Hamlet Fire Department in order to connect the two boats during water rescue training.
William R. Toler | Daily Journal Franklin McKay secures his life vest before getting back to training after a lunch break.
William R. Toler | Daily Journal Joe Brown, left, helps Franklin McKay and Billy Gibson tie the two rescue boats together.
William R. Toler | Daily Journal Garrett McInnis, right, and Billy Gibson pull Richard Lassiter into the boat.
William R. Toler | Daily Journal Franklin McKay throws out a rope to a mock rescue victim from the boat.
William R. Toler | Daily Journal Justin Pruitt tosses a rescue rope from the pond’s shore.
William R. Toler | Daily Journal Garrett McInnis keeps the boat steady.
William R. Toler | Daily Journal Michael Mabe, left, and Richard Lassiter jump into the pond for a rescue.
William R. Toler | Daily Journal Michael Mabe and Richard Lassiter swim toward their rescue victim.