Monroe Fire Department Trains for Ice Rescue as Freezing Weather Continues

By Y.M. Lowy

Photos: Y. Stein

Monroe Fire Department members took part in their regular weekly training Monday night, focusing this time on ice rescue techniques — a skill that becomes especially important during stretches of below-freezing weather.

Firefighters practiced how to safely rescue someone who has fallen through lake ice, working through step-by-step scenarios. The drill was designed to sharpen response time and improve coordination under harsh winter conditions.

These weekly trainings are used to keep crews up to date on specialized rescue methods and to prepare for situations that are rare but high-risk. With lakes and ponds now frozen across the area, ice rescue readiness is considered a timely and practical focus.