Firefighters from Massillon, Jackson & Wooster townships practice water rescue training

• Massillon, Jackson and Wooster township fire departments are participating in water rescue training this week.
• The weeklong training is taking place in the Tuscarawas River near Ernie's Bike Shop in Massillon and the Forty Corners trailhead.
• Overall, 14 firefighters are involved with the program.

MASSILLON – A trio of fire departments are taking part this week in water rescue training operations that seem timely due to heavy rains in recent weeks.

Agencies in Massillon, Jackson Township and Wooster Township are jointly training in the Tuscarawas River. Some drills were held at the Trailhead Canoe Livery entry point, adjacent to Ernie's Bike Shop, 135 Lake Ave. NW.

Training ops:Massillon firefighters garner experience on portable tower

"All this rain was a positive thing for water training," said Jackson Fire Chief Tim Berczik, noting that the faster river flow is more conducive to a real-world rescue situation.

As part of the training, which started Monday and concludes Friday, firefighters donned protective gear, dry suits and headgear for safety purposes.

Strategic swimming, high-rope rescues and "pulling people to shore" are part of the overall drill, while boat rescue training was slated for Friday, said Berczik, adding that 14 firefighters are involved in the program.

On Wednesday afternoon, firefighters were in the river near the Forty Corners trailhead conducting shallow water recoveries.

"The training helps us be better prepared for flood-water scenarios," said Ryan Grahm, a firefighter-paramedic from Wooster Township, adding that the course helps with camaraderie among area departments. "It's a great group of guys here, and nice to have the local classes."

The rescue course is offered through Dive Rescue International, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Jerry Richert, of Indianapolis, is the primary instructor.

Massillon Fire Chief Matt Heck said his agency and others try to participate in water or swift water rescue training on an annual basis. But the week's practice was the first hosted by Massillon.

"We've talked about doing it for awhile (here) and pulled the trigger this year," Heck said.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE