Burlington firefighters are sharpening their ice water rescue skills year-round, a critical capability on Lake Champlain. The WCAX report shows crews training in varied conditions to mirror real emergencies, from transferable warm-weather drills to frigid, ice-bound scenarios. In a recent exercise, command staff staged a waterfront call, with Battalion Chief Adam Savoy acting as the caller and dispatching units, underscoring the coordination needed in a high-stakes rescue. Senior Firefighter and paramedic Ben Shaw served as the primary rescuer, venturing onto unstable ice and weighing the ever-present risk of breaking through. Shaw described the delicate balance between remaining on solid ice and reaching a victim, while Savoy emphasized that ice rescues are rare but perilous, demanding meticulous preparation and teamwork. The department’s ongoing training aims to keep responders ready for the unpredictable realities of winter emergencies, protecting both civilians and rescuers alike. This work underscores training and community safety together daily. For More Information https://www.wcax.com/2026/02/27/burlington-firefighters-practice-ice-water-rescue-training/
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