Local fire, rescue and law enforcement personnel attended last week’s Search and Rescue Forum sponsored by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Virginia and the Port of Virginia Maritime Incident Response Team at The Landing at Hampton Marina in downtown Hampton.
The purpose of the weeklong forum was to conduct training that would lead to “a unified, rapid and effective response to emergencies that may impact maritime commerce, public safety, and coastal communities,” said a press release. More than 190 first responders and 40 agencies participated. Each day included a number of courses and presentations, as well as daytime and nighttime demonstrations to promote boating safety awareness.
On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Coast Guard invited the media to attend a two-hour helicopter demonstration of search and rescue techniques on the James River. The Gazette-Journal joined the captain and crew of Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad’s new rescue boat to observe the demonstration.
The training exercise...