PBCFR's Technical Rescue Team competed on Friday, August 22 in Dallas at the IRECA (International Rescue and Emergency Care Association) sanctioned Technical Rescue Competition. This event took place at the City of Dallas Fire Rescue Training facility. The team that consisted of Vince Cannuscio, Ken Wooldridge, Joe Shipe, Sam Adler, Larry Lawler, Mark Gale from Station 19 and Jeff Strom  from Station 31,  finished fourth overall. All members of the team are currently assigned to County Special Operations units. Although, this was only the second competition for the team, their overall score was only 35 points (1000 total) out of a third place finish. The scenario's consisted of gaining access to a victim that was entrapped and then  treat any life threatening injuries. Then lowering the victim to a ground aide station using a limited amount of rope rescue equipment. All scenarios are timed events. The top three teams in this competition were industrial rescue teams not Fire Rescue departments. Most have been competing in events like this for many years.

The team is looking forward to competing again next year at the IRECA event to be held in Pennsylvania. The TRT team next scheduled competition is March 2004 in Gainesville, FL. All members of the team agree that training for a competition like this one enhances their individual and team skills as well as allowing us to showcases our department.

Story and photos provided by Captain Vince Cannuscio