Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Photograph by George Sakkestad

DART members (from left) Jeff Arabia, Bob Rosenthal and David Laverne participate in a mock rescue on a steep bank along Los Gatos Creek.

DART trains for rescues

Volunteers learn with members of Central Fire District

By Clarence Cromwell

Los Gatos' Disaster Aid Response Team and the Santa Clara County Fire Department taught some of their members the ropes in a heavy rescue exercise May 4 that was the first in a planned series of joint training sessions.

DART leaders and fire officials have agreed to set joint training exercises for a handful of specialized skills that will increase the number of skilled rescuers and prepare the groups to work together in emergencies.

The May 4 exercise involved firefighters and a handful of DART volunteers in a technical rope-rescue exercise, a technique that uses ropes and rappelling techniques to move injured people up steep slopes or cliffs.

The training came at a bargain price--free--because between the two groups there were enough rope-rescue experts and equipment to conduct the class. Previously, DART members have been trained at Sunnyvale Fire Department's training academy. The DART members and firefighters who took the class will get state certifications in technical rope rescue.

The agencies will additionally undergo training in three other areas: swift-water rescue, confined-space rescue and hazardous materials removal.

DART assists police and firefighters in disasters and some lesser emergencies. Its members usually pay for their own training and equipment and perform services the police department wouldn't otherwise be able to provide, said LGPD Captain Jeff Miller.

"They're a fantastic resource," Miller added.

DART members responded to the Oakland Hills fire of 1991, the Lexington Hills forest fire of 1985 and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. They have recovered drowning victims from Vasona Lake, combed the hills for missing people and assisted police detectives in wide-area evidence searches.

Public Hearings

May 19: Fees charged for town services.

May 27: 1997-98 operating budget.

June 2: Appeal of the decision denying architecture and site application for 15,000-square-foot office building at 973 University Ave.

Council meetings are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 110 E. Main St.

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