The Hot Springs Fire Department's Dive Rescue Team received a $22,492.95 General Improvement Fund (GIF) grant award yesterday from the West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District. The team, which currently operates with no budget, will now be able to add three new sets of dive gear and four dry suits to their inventory. The dry suits can be used to support cold weather and contaminated water operations.
The team, which consists of one master diver and eight rescue divers, officially launched on July 10 and was called to a rescue operation only three days later. Pictured from left are Dwayne Pratt, WCAPDD Executive Director; Fire Marshal Tom Braughton; firefighter Wade Edie, dive team leader; State Representative John Vines; Fire Chief Ed Davis; State Representative Bruce Cozart; and firefighter Andy Davis, who wrote the grant.