By Jack McShane
On Saturday August 15th the Andes Volunteer Fire Department teamed up with the Margaretville Fire Department to practice water rescue operations in the Pepacton Reservoir. The emphasis was on technique, speed and coordination with our emergency responders and ambulance crews. The operations included a number of powered rescue boats and a number of people in wet suits winding up in the water playing the roles of the to be rescued and a number in the water as part of the rescue teams. The Andes ambulance team waited for the rescued as they were sped from where they were pulled from the water to the shore. This was an important practice as our Pepacton Reservoir attracts more and more fishermen and pleasure boaters. We laud all our emergency volunteers and their support staff. Thank you all!~