PSD - Water Rescue Conference / Sept 24-27, 2008

[BladesRobinson]

The International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists (IADRS.org) will have their annual membership meeting and conference in Fairfax, VA on September 24-27, 2008. This is an event where public safety divers and water rescue professionals from around the country come together to exchange ideas, share information, learn from each other and see some of the latest advances in technology.

Information is available on line at the hyperlinks below:

http://www.iadrs.org/media/IADRS_Con...e_Brochure.pdf
http://www.iadrs.org/index.php?pr=CONFERENCE

[BladesRobinson]

On September 25th, the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists held their annual awards dinner at the Hyatt Fair Lakes in Fairfax, VA.
The awards which recognized various teams and an individual are listed below.

Captain Dale Appel, Boone County Water Rescue (KY)
The Robert G. Teather Award
For lifelong contributions to the safety of the Public Safety Divers.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Dive Team (FL)
The Fin of Perseverance
The search for Matthew Sterling

Broward Sheriff’s Office Dive Team (FL)
The Specialized Fin Award
The Most Technical Recovery; The search for evidence related to the murder of Sgt. Chris Reyka

Fishers Police Department (IN)
The Silver Fin Award
Most Improved Dive Team

Elk Grove Village Fire Protection District (IL)
The Diverse Fin Award
The most unique team funding, use of “foreign fire insurance” funds

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (FL)
The Dramatic Fin Award
The Most Dramatic Marine Operation, recovery below the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Lake St. Louis Fire Protection District – Water Rescue Task Force (MO)
The Fabulous Fin Award
The most spectacular water rescue, the rescue of Erica Strickland

The International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists hosts an annual membership meeting and public safety diver conference. The 2008 conference will conclude on Sunday, September 28th.

This year’s conference had more than 150 people in attendance representing 30 states and 3 countries.