Port Angeles – The term “rescue”, as in Clallam 2 Fire and Rescue, has just taken on a little more depth. Thirteen firefighters from the District recently completed five days of intense technical rope rescue training.

Deputy Chief Jake Patterson, who just last week was chosen to take over as Chief when Sam Phillips retires at the end of June, says   the forty-hour course covered life-saving techniques that are particularly relevant here on the Peninsula.

In the first year, five firefighters took the course. This year’s 13 students included a mix of career and volunteer firefighters. As for the trainer, the District didn’t have to look far.

The new trainees can now also participate with the local Homeland Security Rescue Team, so their newfound skills not only benefit folks here in Clallam District 2 but the entire region.

Top: Firefighter/EMT Tyler Gear rappels off the Elwha River Bridge during technical rescue training.

Center: Sean Charon, Rick Leffler, Fred Way and Mya DeLano rig a haul system during field training.

Bottom: Firefighter/EMT Mike Jensen ascends from the Elwha River Bridge in the dark of night.

Header photo: C2FR Special Operations Captain John Hall instructs Firefighter/Paramedic Margie Brueckner on setting up a haul system to raise or lower patients in a stokes basket from a high angle.

C2FR photos