Lake County Special Teams

08/13/2026

Yesterday was nice and dry, today…… not so much. Actually more realistic as to what our team will encounter during these types off call outs. Strong work team!!!

08/12/2026

Trench Rescue Training | Lake County Technical Rescue Task Force (TRTF)

Members of the Lake County TRTF conducted hands-on trench rescue training today, designed to challenge crews with a realistic collapse scenario.

The drill simulated a worker who became trapped and partially buried following a trench collapse. Rescue teams worked together to stabilize and shore the trench, safely access the patient, remove the surrounding soil, and complete the victim removal.

Trench rescues are low-frequency, high-risk incidents that require specialized equipment, technical skills, and coordinated teamwork. Hands-on training scenarios like this provide our members with valuable experience, strengthen critical rescue skills, and help ensure team members are prepared to safely and effectively respond to potential future trench emergencies throughout Lake County.

07/17/2026

Our heartfelt condolences are with the family and loved ones affected by yesterday's tragic incident on the Grand River.

We commend the professionalism and dedication of the first responders from multiple agencies who worked together in an effort to save a life. Their commitment to serving our communities reflects the strength of teamwork and public service.

Please keep the victim's family and all those affected in your thoughts.

See the City of Painesville Police Department's press release below, which provides more details about the incident.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18H9NzsGHV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Justin's family and friends.

05/24/2026

Lake County Tech provided support to Madison Fire for an incident involving a tree on a house. Several support structures were compromised and required stabilization to prevent further structural collapse. The team is prepared to address any situation, prioritizing not only life safety but also property preservation to minimize additional damage and costs for homeowners and businesses. Thank You Lake County for your trust and support.

05/03/2026

🚨 River Rescue Response 🚨

Last evening, the Painesville City Fire Department was dispatched to a river rescue incident. Auto aid departments, including the Perry Joint Fire District, Fairport Harbor Fire Department, and members of the Lake County Technical Rescue Task Force, were requested to assist.

An individual had become stranded on an embankment and was unable to safely cross the river due to strong current conditions.

Rescue personnel quickly deployed a river rescue boat, accessed the patient, and safely removed them from the embankment. The individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital for precautionary evaluation.

✅ The rescue operation was completed successfully.

This incident highlights the strength of regional collaboration, the value of specialized technical rescue training, and the importance of having the right resources available for low-frequency, high-risk incidents.

03/04/2026

🚨 Lake County Technical Rescue Task Force (TRTF) Rope Rescue Training 🚨

Today, members of the Lake County TRTF conducted rope rescue training.

Crews trained on high-angle rescue operations utilizing stokes baskets, patient packaging, anchor systems, and mechanical advantage systems to safely lower and raise a victim from an elevated location.

These drills focus on:
✅ Building and operating redundant anchor systems
✅ Patient packaging and litter attendant operations
✅ Team communication and coordinated edge transitions
✅ Low-frequency / high-risk rescue scenarios

Training like this ensures responders remain proficient in the specialized skills required to operate during high-risk, low-frequency technical rescue incidents, while improving team coordination, safety, and operational readiness across Lake County.

03/01/2026

In 2025, the Lake County Technical Rescue Task Force continued to prioritize training, certifications, and operational readiness for all active members. A significant organizational milestone was the development of a formal Chain of Command and the establishment of Assigned Technical Rescue Shift Officers (TRSOs).
TRSOs are certified senior members trained across all disciplines of technical rescue. These officers serve as subject matter experts and may be requested by any Lake County Fire Department to provide on-scene advice and operational guidance for smaller-scale incidents. When incidents escalate into lengthy or complex events, departments have the ability to request activation of the full Technical Rescue Team.
Throughout 2025, the Task Force was fully activated for several complex technical rescue incidents, including:
Lost persons in the Grand River trapped by rising waters
A vehicle over a cliff on I-90 with a trapped occupant
Structural collapse of a residential basement foundation
Each of these incidents required the specialized skills, equipment, and coordinated response of the entire Technical Rescue Task Force. Through disciplined training and strong interagency cooperation, all incidents were managed safely and effectively.
In addition to full team activations, several technical rescue incidents occurred throughout the county that were successfully managed by local fire departments without activation of the entire Task Force. In many of these situations, TRSOs provided consultation, scene support, or operational guidance to ensure safe and efficient mitigation. This tiered response model allowed departments to access specialized expertise while maintaining flexibility and resource efficiency.
Training remained a core focus area, with members completing and maintaining certifications in the following disciplines:
Rope Operations (Rope Ops)
Swift Water Rescue
Confined Space Rescue
Structural Collapse and Shoring
I would like to thank all of our Task Force members for their continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to training. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the Lake County Fire Chiefs for their continued leadership and support of the Technical Rescue Task Force. Their partnership and commitment ensure we remain prepared to serve the residents of Lake County safely and effectively.
Respectfully,
Lt. Michael Fearing
LCTRTF Commander

Send a message to learn more

02/28/2026

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Now Hiring: Experienced Rescue Technicians

First Choice Safety Solutions is seeking experienced Rescue Technicians for Outage/Turnaround projects.

We provide structured Confined Space Rescue Team (CSRT) coverage for power generation and critical infrastructure clients across the Northeast.

This is professional, organized rescue coverage — not passive standby work. We operate with defined leadership, clear expectations, and high standards.

Minimum Qualifications
• NFPA Rope Rescue Operations
• NFPA Confined Space Rescue Operations
• OSHA 10-Hour (Construction or General Industry)

Preferred Qualifications
• NFPA Rope Rescue Technician
• NFPA Confined Space Rescue Technician
• SPRAT Rope Access Certification (Level I–III)
• OSHA 30-Hour

Career and volunteer firefighters, Rope Access Technicians, and Industrial Rescue Professionals with real operational experience are encouraged to apply.

What Sets FCSS Apart
• Professional-grade rescue equipment — Petzl, CMC, Sterling Rope, Rock Exotica, Harken
• Supplied air and respiratory systems from 3M/Scott and MSA
• Structured team leadership and defined operational roles
• Strong safety culture rooted in NFPA and OSHA standards

We operate with equipment and systems that experienced rescue professionals recognize and trust.

Compensation & Opportunities
• 24/7 CSRT assignments
• Day and night shifts
• Local and travel deployments
• Overtime opportunities
• Per diem on qualifying travel projects

Experienced technicians working outage rotations have the potential to earn $3,000+ per week, before certification premiums and travel incentives.

Additional Advantages
• Shift incentives on qualifying assignments
• Certification incentives for advanced credentials
• Access to professional training and ongoing skill development
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced Rescue Leads
• Exposure to high-level industrial rescue environments

We invest in competent professionals — and expect professionalism in return.

If you meet the minimum qualifications and are ready to operate at a high standard, we want to hear from you.

📩 Send resume, certifications, and availability to:
[email protected]

First Choice Safety Solutions: Safety, Rescue, Access, Training and Gear

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas!!!! Have a safe one

12/03/2025

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