On Saturday February 1, TSFR accepted an invitation from our neighbors at Shillington to participate in an ice rescue drill conducted at Shillington Park. Deputy Chief Fritz and two other members from TSFR participated in the exercise that took place on the shores of the Country House Dam. In addition to TSFR and Shillington, West Reading and Western Berks Fire also joined in.

The drill involved actual entry into the frozen lake through a large hole cut in the ice and practice in evolutions and procedures for accessing and removing persons who have fallen through the ice. All personnel wore Personal Flotation Vests, and those who actually entered the water donned special ice rescue suits. While TSFR does not provide an ice rescue service per se, the members attending had the opportunity to observe what our mutual aid partners were capable of brining to the table. This led to discussions as to how best TSFR can assist them should the need arise in the Township.