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It's early into the evening and your about to set down for an overdue supper when your beeper is activated with the special code. Your mind races through all the possible scenarios, a car sliding off the icy road into the river, a fisherman freezing to death in a capsized boat, a small child swept away in the strong current ? It could be another long night as you head out the door into harms way. The wind is howling outside and the temperature and wind chill factor is now so far below freezing it really doesn't matter anymore. You know the water will be in the low 40's but your confidence is still high.
What kind of men are these that can jump out of a warm bed and into freezing water with only the tone of a pager ? Who could God challenge to volunteer for such a thankless and unpaid volunteer fire department or Police Dive Team task? As you drop from your inflatable surface support into the murky depths quickly loosing sight of your security with only the glow from your diving light to guide you, and all the while knowing, a dive beyond 130 feet puts you in serious peril, with a limited air supply. Each breath you take is music to your ears, because you know very well, it could be your last. You are never more alone than when under the sea, there is no darkness greater should your light fail at depth. There is no quick or easy escape. It takes special strong willed men to do such work, it's not the money, nor the thrill, that drives them on along this path. It's the very special feeling you get inside when a job is well done, another mystery is solved, property recovered, or a life is saved. We support the unsung hero's of the day. What type of equipment does it take for rescue and recovery in swift water, and in the dark cold water?
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