Streetsboro Fire Department Dive Rescue Training at Trail Lake Park

On February 9, 16, and 23, the Streetsboro Fire Department, in cooperation with the Portage Park District, will conduct dive rescue training at Trail Lake Park in Streetsboro. Training will begin around 10:00 AM each day and last for approximately 2 hours. During this time, the park will remain open to all visitors and no disruptions are expected.  If weather conditions prevent the build-up of adequate ice, the training may be rescheduled or adapted for the conditions present.  

“We’re very grateful for the Fire Department’s proactive training at Trail Lake, but hope they’ll never need to put it into action for a rescue”, said Christine Craycroft, Portage Park District Executive Director. “Nature is always changing, and we can never assume that it is safe to go out onto the lake ice; we’re asking park users to stay safe by staying off icy lakes and wetlands”.  

Streetsboro Fire Department Lieutenant Eric Moss, a certified rescue diver, is conducting the training for the department. “Trail Lake Park offers a great ice rescue training opportunity for our department. Access to the lake is a bit challenging with all our gear, but that makes this training even more important. Having the opportunity to recognize and prepare for challenges before an emergency occurs is invaluable". 

The fire department applied for a special use permit and has been granted access to a non-sensitive area of the lake for this training only. According to Captain Kevin Grimm, Public Information Officer for the department: “Again this year, we contacted park officials seeking access to the lake. We greatly appreciate their continued willingness to work with us. During our training sessions, we encourage the public to view and ask questions from a safe distance, while still allowing fire department personnel plenty of room to work, Grimm added, “Although this is a non-emergency training event, we ask that park visitors remain aware of vehicles and equipment in and around the park for everyone’s safety. A fire department representative will be on hand to answer any questions park visitors may have so that they may learn more about what their fire department is doing”.  

Fire Chief Robert Reinholz added: “Every chance we have to train, especially somewhere like Trail Lake Park, is a great opportunity for us”. Reinholz added that regular emergency service for the city will not be impacted during this training. The park is located along Ravenna Road on the city’s south end. “We will have personnel at the station ready to immediately respond to any emergency.”