Sigourney hosts ice rescue training

SIGOURNEY — Emergency responders spent the day taking a hands-on class in Sigourney over the weekend, where a group out of West Des Moines trained participants in ice rescue techniques.

Sigourney Fire Chief Cody Young said the training was attended by personnel from Sigourney, Hedrick, Delta and Keota fire departments, as well as Keokuk County Conservation. The event was funded by the Iowa Fire Training Service, which is based out of Ames.

“We had about three hours of classroom learning followed by three to four hours of hands-on at Lake Belva Deer,” he said. “Everyone had the opportunity to put on an ice rescue suit and get the feel for what it was like being in the water with a suit on.”

Young said it was a productive day.

“I feel each department in attendance took home some knowledge they didn't have before,” he said. “It's great to see our small community departments come together and train as one team to make someone's bad day better.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com