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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesFrom Feb. 27-March 3, the Escambia County Fire Rescue Special Operations Team completed a specialized joint training with Escambia County Animal Welfare on large animal rescues, including water rescues involving animals and humans.
On Feb. 2, 2023, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve the 2022 ASPCA Disaster Response Grant, which provided the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare $50,000 for the sole purpose of obtaining equipment and training for an Animal Search and Rescue Disaster Response Team for Escambia County. View the agenda item here.
With the grant, 10 Escambia County employees were trained in the following disciplines:
Sponsored by ECAW, specialists with focuses in law enforcement, animal control, veterinary services, state emergency management and fire rescue participated in the week-long training that took place throughout Escambia County. Personnel came from all over the country, including one animal control officer from Belgium.
The large animal rescue training took place at Escambia County Public Safety and the Escambia County Equestrian Center. The training mainly focused on horse and cow rescues from mud, ditches and injuries where there is limited access to the animal.
The water rescue portion of the training took place at the Navy Point boat launch and the Wilson B. Robertson boat launch on the Perdido River. During the training, the scenarios involved small animal and human rescues, with personnel performing rescues by swimming to the subjects and by utilizing a boat.
Recently, Escambia County Fire Rescue acquired two new boats for water-related rescues after receiving a $12,000 grant from the state of Florida. One boat is a 14-foot aluminum flat-bottom rescue craft with the second boat being a smaller, inflatable craft.
As a result of completing the specialized training, ECFR's Special Operations Team received the Animal Rescue Specialist FEMA designation, meaning they are qualified to serve in times of natural disaster as a state of Florida and FEMA asset.
The specialized training marks the beginning of ECFR and Animal Welfare's pursuit to continuously train and work together on incidents that require a joint effort.
Escambia County Fire Rescue proudly operates as a combination fire service, utilizing the talents and diversities of volunteer and career firefighting personnel. Career personnel operate in 14 stations throughout the county. 13 stations work a 48/96-hour shift, and two stations work Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteer firefighters operate out of numerous stations throughout Escambia County. Escambia County Fire Rescue also provides other emergency services such as hazardous materials response, special operations and ALS non-transport. Learn more about how to join Escambia County Fire Rescue. Follow Escambia County Fire Rescue on Facebook.
Training group after the large animal rescue exercise
ECFR's Special Operations Team in the Perdido River for small animal and human rescue training
Trainees observe during the water rescue training
A group participating in large animal rescue training
A group of trainees prepare to enter the Perdido River for small animal rescue training
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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