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Erie, PA

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Water Rescue

The West Lake Fire Department's response district contains Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay, which are located in the northern part of our district. Since the formation of the department, members have had basic training in water rescue and dive team operations. The department operated a dive (SCUBA) team for several years, disbanding the team in late 2013. The department now focuses on Open Water Rescue, Swift Water Rescue and Ice Rescue utilizing 2 boats and 2 jet skis.

In the summer of 2012, West Lake responded to three incidents for drownings and possible drownings in Lake Erie off of Kelso Beach and the Peninsula. The two calls off of the Peninsula claimed the lives of two individuals and the call off of Kelso Beach resulted in the successful rescue of three males utilizing a jet ski operated by members from a resident. After that week, the department decided to revamp the water rescue division and focus on specific training, gear and apparatus. The result is an organized water rescue team comprised of West Lake, West Ridge, Lake Shore and Belle Valley Fire Departments all training and responding as one team. Other mutual aid departments for any water rescues are The United States Coast Guard, Erie Fire Department (SCUBA team), Presque Isle Life Guards, Lake City Fire Department.

Water Rescue: This team includes open water, swift water and ice rescue. Currently, the team consists of 27 members trained in open water, swift water and ice rescue. The other members of the department who respond have a very important role in shore support.

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West Lake Fire Department
6 days ago
West Lake Fire Department

Throw Back Thursday! Members battle a stubborn car fire! ... See MoreSee Less

Throw Back Thursday!  Members battle a stubborn car fire!Image attachment
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West Lake Fire Department
1 week ago
West Lake Fire Department

... See MoreSee Less

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West Lake Fire Department
2 weeks ago
West Lake Fire Department

Throw Back Thursday! Engine 4 (483) and Rescue1, two similar KME Pumpers that served the department. Rescue 1 is still in use with the Smithton Volunteer Fire Department in Pennsylvania and Engine 4 (483) sees action with the North Rose Fire Department in New York. ... See MoreSee Less

Throw Back Thursday!  Engine 4 (483) and Rescue1, two similar KME Pumpers that served the department.  Rescue 1 is still in use with the Smithton Volunteer Fire Department in Pennsylvania and Engine 4 (483) sees action with the North Rose Fire Department in New York.Image attachment
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Darryl Tavernese and I were attempting to do something with a broken cabinet one day in the Chief’s office. “Got get me an axe off of Rescue 1” he told me. Though a similarly aged KME sat in the truck room, he meant Engine 503. Rescue 1 belonged to a different company during a different numbering era. But hey, Engine 503 is still running strong as well! It’s the first out Engine in Freehold NY.

West Lake Fire Department
2 weeks ago
West Lake Fire Department

First Responders from all over the area attended Urban Flooding Training today thanks to White Cap Rescue. ... See MoreSee Less

First Responders from all over the area attended Urban Flooding Training today thanks to White Cap Rescue.
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West Lake Fire Department
2 weeks ago
West Lake Fire Department

We are sad to hear of the passing of Paul Nelson, owner of Waldameer Park and Water World. Mr. Nelson was a great friend to the department, we would like to offer our condolences to his family in this difficult time. ... See MoreSee Less

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He was such a wonderful person!

RIP

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Contact Information

West Lake Fire Department
3762 West Lake Road
Erie, PA 16505

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