Firefighters, rescue technicians, and EMS providers gathered on Monday evening, February 2, 2026, to practice ice rescue skills and techniques. Officers from Gamber & Community Fire Co. hosted the event held at Deer Park’s pond. Members from Gamber, Winfield, Sykesville and DFEMS participated in the training.

Lieutenant Jack Bez and Firefighter Sean Baldwin planned and coordinated the training session.

Participants gathered at the Gamber station at 7:00 pm and reviewed procedures and activities with a focus on safety. The training would consist of self-rescue, rescue with one rescuer, and with multiple rescuers. Land support members were also instructed on the use of ropes to secure rescuers and to assist with extricating victims from the water.

Since the outside temperatures were in the low 20’s, participants were encouraged to warm up in the vehicles if needed. Medic 139 stood by in the event of any issues.

Once at location of the pond, members had to use a chain saw to cut an opening in the ice. The ice appeared to be 8” – 10” inches thick and required multiple batteries on the electric chain saw.

Several scenarios were run with at least one “victim” in the water each time. The “victims” wore cold water immersion suits. All participants involved in the training, both rescuers and land support staff, were outfitted with personal flotation devices (PFDs).

A debriefing was held after the training. All participants felt the training was very worthwhile.

Location: Carroll County Recreation and Parks, Deer Park, 637 Deer Park Road, Westminster, MD.