Four members of the Piqua Fire Department recently completed public safety diver training offered through Dive Rescue International and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The course prepared firefighters to respond to water emergencies in the City of Piqua, throughout Miami County, and in surrounding areas.
The course included a classroom portion held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, followed by practical skills testing at Silver Cup Lake in Cedarville. The specialized, hands-on training prepares firefighters to conduct underwater search and rescue, recover victims and handle submerged evidence in a variety of scenarios.
“This was a challenging, hands-on program that gave our members the skills needed to safely conduct underwater search and rescue,” Fire Captain Nick Schmitz said. “They trained in everything from victim recovery to handling evidence in submerged environments.”
The four members of the Dive Team who completed the certification are Tyler Beard, Zane Drake, Brandon Lavy and Tony Sutter. They are part of the eight-member Piqua Fire Department Dive Team, which also serves as part of the Miami County Special Operations Response Team.
Captain Schmitz emphasized that the added expertise directly benefits local and regional residents.
“This additional certification increases our ability to respond to water emergencies not only in Piqua, but across Miami County and beyond,” he said. “Residents can feel confident knowing we have trained professionals ready to act when minutes matter.”
The newly trained divers join a growing number of Piqua firefighters cross-trained in specialized emergency response.
“Our firefighters take tremendous pride in expanding their skill sets,” Schmitz said. “It’s not just about the training — it’s about protecting people, giving families peace of mind and being there when the community needs us most.”
The Piqua Fire Department continues to invest in advanced training opportunities to ensure the highest level of service and protection for the community.
To learn more, visit piquaoh.gov/fire.