North East, PA — On Sunday, February 15, 2026, members of the Fuller Hose Company #1 Water Rescue Team conducted an ice rescue training drill in Harborcreek Township, strengthening the team’s readiness for winter emergencies across the region.
Joining the training were members of the Harborcreek Fire Department, who brought their ambulance and recently placed DJI drone into service to support operations and demonstrate its capabilities during water and ice incidents.
The training began with a rapid site assessment to evaluate ice conditions, access points, and rescue strategies. After confirming a safe training area, crews cut a hole in the ice to simulate a real-world emergency scenario and rotated through several essential rescue techniques.
Training Focus Areas Included:
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Self-Rescue Skills — Members practiced techniques using ice staffs and ice awls, reinforcing how rescuers (and civilians) can regain stability and exit the water if they break through the ice.
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Direct Contact Rescue with a Rescue Sling — Crews trained on safely reaching and securing a victim while minimizing risk to rescuers.
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Direct Contact Rescue with the Rapid Deployable Craft (RDC) — The team reviewed deployment and victim retrieval using the RDC, a critical tool for reaching victims quickly while distributing weight safely across unstable ice.
Captain Chris Skrekla, member the Water Rescue Team, emphasized how winter conditions provide a valuable opportunity for hands-on preparation.
“While winter brings challenges, it also gives us the chance to train in the exact conditions our team may face during an emergency. Practicing these skills on real ice ensures our members stay sharp, confident, and ready to respond when seconds matter most.”
Ice Safety Reminder for the Community
Fuller Hose Company #1 reminds residents that no ice is ever completely safe ice. Ice thickness can vary greatly due to currents, temperature changes, and hidden weak spots — even when it appears solid.
With temperatures forecast to rise above freezing this week, anyone planning to be near or on frozen waterways is urged to:
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Avoid going onto ice unless absolutely necessary
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Never go alone — always have someone nearby
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Carry basic safety equipment such as ice awls or flotation
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Keep pets and children away from questionable ice
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Call 911 immediately if someone falls through — do not attempt a risky rescue yourself
Drone Technology Enhances Rescue Capabilities
The drill concluded with Harborcreek Fire Department introducing their newly in-service drone and demonstrating how aerial technology can assist responders. The drone’s ability to quickly survey large areas, locate victims, assess ice conditions, and guide rescuers will be a valuable asset during future water and ice rescue operations throughout the region.
Fuller Hose Company #1 remains committed to continuous training, regional cooperation, and proactive preparedness to protect the North East community year-round.
Community Support
Fuller Hose Company #1 extends our sincere thanks to Bernet Farms and Klenz Farms for graciously allowing the use of their pond for today’s ice rescue training.
