Chippewa Law Enforcement Leaps Into an Icy Training

The 8th Annual Multi-Agency Winter Ice Rescue Training was held on the Chippewa National Forest each year.

In January, five Chippewa National Forest employees were out on a local lake in January doing something that most people wouldn't even think of. They were cutting large holes in the lake ice… and jumping in. This was part of the 8th Annual Multi-Agency Winter Ice Rescue Training held on the Chippewa National Forest each year.

When you have a northern Forest made up of over half-water, ice-rescue training becomes vital to prepare rescue agencies for real life situations. Over 30 rescue groups from northern Minnesota took part in the ice rescue training January 28, 2009 on Cass Lake. Participants receive training in rapid deployment for ice water rescues, diving, and use of cold water rescue suits. It's a chance to test equipment from scuba gear to float jackets and ice picks. Spectators come out to watch the parade of hovercrafts, ice angels, water cars, diving rigs and those guys in the red gumby suits. The multi-agency training was POST- certified as well, with an "Ice Rescue Technician" certification offered to qualified participants.

Chippewa National Forest Law Enforcement Officer Paul Nordeen had a chance to test out his Mustang Ice Rider snowmobile suit as part of the training that day. Law Enforcement officers wear the Ice Rider float suits in everyday winter patrols, which include patrols across frozen lakes. To test his gear, Nordeen jumped into one of the three large holes cut in the ice by Forest fire crews the previous day. With the help of a county water rescue crew, the officer was retrieved from the water, dry inside and ready for the next exercise. While part of the training focuses on ice rescue, EMT's and other medical personnel also train for medical emergencies after a person is pulled from the cold water. Medical crews are always on hand during the training, to participate and ensure the safety of all rescue crews.

Mike Rice and Matt Heaney from the Walker District fire crew and Nate Watne and Xavien Grady from Blackduck District made it all possible by cutting the ice. They are trained to use chainsaws to cut the 12 x 20, 30 x35 and 4 x6 holes in the ice. Law enforcement officers, and local volunteers pulled the giant ice blocks from the water. It took the crew about four hours to cut the holes through the 2 feet of lake ice. Temperatures cooperated for the preparation day as well as on training day. "The weather was perfect, some would say even a little warm" noted one Cass County employee. It was another successful Multi-Agency Winter Ice Rescue Training that benefits the agencies, local community and winter visitors.

Cass County Sheriff Randy Fischer sent letters to Chippewa National Forest District Rangers and the employees involved in the training, thanking them for their continued participation. "Rescue teams from 36 crews received high quality training thanks to your dedication and hard work. We couldn't do it without you! See you on the ice next year!"