An Indiana Conservation Officer based in Starke County is among the Department of Natural Resources’ newest class of rescue divers. Six Conservation Officers graduated from the Public Safety Dive Rescue Specialist School this week.
They include Alexander Quick, based in Starke County; Derrick Beamer of Porter County; and Alex Toth of LaPorte County. According to a DNR press release, the six-week training included drills on basic scuba skills, physical fitness, and black-water diving. The officers also learned about boat- and shore-based search patterns, drowning victim recovery, evidence recovery, and vehicle recovery. The training is designed to meet Dive Rescue International requirements, as well as Department of Homeland Security standards.
The DNR says its Conservation Officers respond to drowning incidents, boat crashes, and all other types of water-related investigations. The six graduates are part of a 47-officer team of certified dive rescue specialists.
