Cranford Police Department 2011 Annual Report - Cranford.com

Water Rescue Team
Cranford Police Department Water Rescue Team
The Cranford Police Department Water Rescue
Team was formed in 1998 in response to a need
for specialized equipment and trained officers to
respond in times of river flooding in the
township’s flood zones. Throughout the years
the Water Rescue Team has evolved to its
current format of eight specially trained officers.
These officers serve on an on-call basis and
respond when the team is activated during times
of emergency. Since 2008, Sgt. Guy Patterson
has served as the commander of the team.
Team Members
The Cranford Police Water Rescue Team is
comprised of the following personnel:
Training
Sergeant Guy Patterson
Sergeant Anthony Dobbins
Sergeant Thomas Feeney
Det. Ryan Greco
Officer Timothy O’Brien
Officer Joseph Stulpin
Officer Christopher DiFabio
Officer John Rattigan
All Water Rescue Team members receive their
training through internationally recognized
Lifesaving Resources Inc. All officers are trained
as Certified Water Rescue Technicians and
Certified Swift Water Rescue Technicians. Sgt.
Guy Patterson is a Certified Water Rescue and
Swift Water Rescue Instructor. Additionally
Sergeant Anthony Dobbins, Sergeant Guy
Patterson and Officer Joseph Stulpin are
Emergency Medical Technicians. Officer John
Rattigan is an MICU Paramedic. Team members
participate in multiple training sessions
throughout the year. These trainings include
annual requalification, open water rescue
operations and boat operation training.
Requalification training was conducted on
3/11/11 at Centennial Ave. Pool. Open water
rescue operations and boat operation training
were conducted on 6/20/11 and 11/16/11 at
Round Valley Reservoir.
Equipment:
Russell I – 2001 Zodiac Mark II Futura 12’6”
Inflatable Boat - Mercury Jet 40 Outboard Motor
Russell II – 2001 Zodiac Mark II Futura 12’6”
Inflatable Boat - Mercury Jet 40 Outboard Motor
Cold Water Rescue Suits
Neoprene Full Wet Suits
Search and Rescue Personal Flotation Devices
Specialty Stretcher With Flotation Collar
Rope Rescue Equipment
Deployment:
On 8/28/2011 the Cranford Police Water Rescue
Team was activated in response to heavy rains
and flooding caused by Hurricane Irene.
Accumulated rainfall of 9.7 inches caused
historic levels of flooding throughout the
township. The 500 year storm levels caused
extensive flooding in the Riverside Drive area.
Sections of the township unaccustomed to rising
waters saw flooding never before experienced.
The Cranford Police Water Rescue Team
coordinated with boats crews from the Cranford
Fire Department, Union County Police and NJ
Task Force 1 Search and Rescue to conduct
rescue and evacuation operations throughout
the township. Due to the physical barriers
created by flooding and rising river levels each
team worked in separate areas of the town to
assist residents in need. Over 175 people
throughout the township were rescued or
evacuated by boat.
Cranford Police Department—2011 Annual Report 52