Swift Water Rescue

HISTORY: The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department realized the need for a specialized team to rescue residents trapped in their homes by rising floodwaters. Previously, this duty had been the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Department dive team. On September, 18, 1987 two officers of the Sheriff’s Department completed training at the River Rescue School in South Bend. These two officers, along with the assistance of four other Deputies, began the first “water team” for Shelby County. This team was complimented greatly with the participation of First Sergeant Karl Kelly, an Indiana Conservation Officer. The team had very limited equipment and relied heavily on the expertise and equipment provided by First Sergeant Kelley.

Regular training was non-existent but team members made great efforts. On April 17, 1998 First Sergeant Karl Kelley died from injuries received during a river rescue training exercise in southern Indiana. Sergeant Kelley was attempting to rescue fellow officers that had been swept into the boil at Williams Dam. With the department’s main resource for river rescue gone, there was an immediate need to get the team rolling. In 1999 the Sheriff’s Department purchased several ropes and assorted equipment for use by the team. The Department had a flat bottom boat and wanted to purchase a boat more suitable for swift water. In 2000 three additional Deputy officers were added to the team and a new boat was purchased. The water team members were discussing ways to expand the team’s equipment and membership when it was suggested to contact the Shelbyville Fire Department. It was learned that the Shelbyville Fire Department had three members that had completed river rescue training at South Bend. In the spring of 2000 it was decided by the Sheriff and Chief of the Shelbyville Fire Department that they would combine resources and manpower into a joint countywide response team. This joint concept has served the citizens of Shelby County well. CURRENT: The Shelby County Water Rescue Team has grown to include 19 members consisting of 12 Shelbyville Fire Department Officers, 7 Officers from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, 1 City of Shelbyville Police Officer, and 1 member of the Fairland Volunteer Fire Department. All members have completed the river rescue school in South Bend, Indiana. We have 2 inflatable boats, (1) has a center console and (1) 14’ flat bottom boat, an Ice Sled, a line gun, and various ropes and riggings. The Shelbyville Fire Department Tactical unit responds to all incidents in Shelby County. The Team has assisted the Rush County Sheriff’s Department, the Indianapolis Washington Township Fire Department, the Indianapolis Fire Department, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. We are always ready to respond where needed. The Shelby County Swift Water Rescue Team has been credited with may rescues and has appeared on the ABC Good Morning America show for a video taped rescue of a young man from a low head dam. Special thanks to Brownies Marine of Fairland for their support. LINKS: www.indianariverrescue.com