Rescue Boat Planned for Stilwell

A swift water rescue of a woman and two children in April prompted Fire Chief Ken Hill to look into training for his crew.

“The training was after Ms. [Tera] Dawson’s rescue. That rescue made it clear to me that Stilwell needed swift water rescue and fast, that’s exactly what we did,” said Hill.

The training was held in Oklahoma City at OKC Riversports Park.

“The goal of the training was to prepare us for live rescues in swift and flood water situations. This includes normal waterway patrol and drowning victim rescue,” Hill said.

Hill, along with Brian Ruben, Captain Issac (Ike ) Merchant, Captain Rick Ford and Olivia Scott were all certified after a two-day, 16 hour course. 

“We also have to continue to train and upgrade our certifications over time,” said Hill. 

Since completing the training the firefighters have been able to purchase a boat, in part with a donation from Kiwanis Club.

“The Fire Chief came and spoke to the Kiwanis as a courtesy to let us know what he's been doing since he started,” said Kiwanis President Tracey Sims. 

 “After the meetings a group of Kiwanis were talking about how to help and they presented to the board the idea of helping with the cost of the boat and so the board voted in favor,” Sims said. “The idea of someone being stranded in the water was just scary and after the flooding in Texas it is a great decision to help with the purchase of the rescue boat. If it helps save one life it will be money well spent in my opinion.”

Sims presented a check to Mayor Jean Ann Wright for $5,000 for half of the cost of the boat. She then presented it to Hill.

The fire department will purchase an Inmar Rescue Boat that will be used for swift water and flood rescue within the county and neighboring counties, Hill said. 

“Having this boat will turn the Stilwell Swift Water Rescue Team into a Type 3 Team, which will give us the ability to be added to the state rescue task force and be deployed to national disasters and more,” said Hill.