Multi-Agency Training- LA County Sheriff Dive Academy

In June 2011, members of the LAFD Dive Search and Rescue Team participated in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dive Academy.  The training consisted of a intensive eight week public safety dive course that trained divers in a broad range of dive disciplines that included altitude dives, deep dives, helicopter insertions, current diving, night and limited visibility, surface air supplied, search and recovery.  

The LASD Dive Academy was presented through the LA Port Police Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center (MLETC) and the instructors were members of LA County Sheriff Special Enforcement Bureau (ESB), Emergency Services Detail (ESD) .  Dive team members from Long Beach PD, LA Port PD, LASD and LAFD attended.


"It was an excellent opportunity to cross train with the other agencies that operate in the harbor area" stated LAFD dive team member Steve Meiche.  "We did a broad range of operations and introduced to new techniques that will be useful when collaborating on missions with these agencies" continues Meiche .

Confined Water Training

Deputy Chris Young discusses lift bag fundamentals
during a confined water training session. 

Search, Recovery and Deep Dive Training in Catalina

LAFD joins LASD dive academy for a joint recovery operation off the coast of Catalina.  The mission was to locate and move a sunken 30' sailboat that posed a navigational hazard.  

Deputies Dave Carver and Felipe Diaz discuss the lift mission.

Divers prepare for the search and recovery. 

After a successful recovery, LASD dive boat tows the lifted
vessel to deeper water eliminating any navigation hazard.  

PDOG Wharf Search

Academy divers prepare to sweep under Berth 55 prior to the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in San Pedro.

Academy Divers Recovering Stolen Property in Bear Valley Lake

Academy divers line search for evidence as part of an investigation.  

The Special Enforcement Bureau Emergency Services Detail Dive Team from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department assisted the Bear Valley Police Department and conducted a detailed and difficult search for stolen property at the Four Island Lake area of Bear Valley.

Helicopter Dive Operations

LAFD Fire 2 arrives at Castaic Lake for Helo dive op's
training with LASD

LASD Air 5

Fire Boat Mates Dave Bender and Todd Hix
following a long day of helicopter insertions
  

Additional photos