Water Rescue

The purpose…

The purpose of having a MABAS 8 water rescue team is to train for and mitigate any water related incident in Boone and Winnebago County. This is done by conducting monthly training incorporating all fire departments in MABAS 8 to maintain proficiency using specialty equipment at a local and regional level. Having a well trained local team is what has helped M8WRT receive gifted assets from MABAS-IL. MABAS 8 Water Rescue Team could be requested for any water rescue/ recovery situation throughout the state or nation to any natural disaster that exceeds local capabilities. ​

Team members

Our deployable team consists currently of 23 members that meet or exceed statewide sub-surface standards. MABAS 8 WRT is 1 of 14 deployable water rescue teams recognized by the state as being the most qualified as having proper training, certifications, and equipment to handle any water-related event. ​

Specialty Equipment

• Boats- Flat bottom, Zodiac, RDC ( Rapid Deployable Craft or AKA banana boat)

• Sonar- Humminbird boat mounted 1199, Sector-Scan Sonar, Side Scan Sonar (Towfish)

• Penguin Ice ladder

• 4- 2000 lb underwater lift bags

• Misc. equipment

Total gifted assets valued over $100,000.

Team Lead

Captain Brian Maschke