The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Fire Department (PBPN FD) has found a way to turn the 2025 Polar Vortex snowfall into an unexpected opportunity. With thick sheets of ice forming on the Nation’s ponds, the department’s firefighters are diving headfirst into their annual ice rescue training.
Two PTFD personnel cut a hole into the pond’s ice.
Just east of the Casino, near 150th and Q Road, firefighters take turns simulating rescue scenarios in the frozen water. Equipped with new cold-resistant diving suits, team members alternate roles between rescuer and victim, practicing vital rope-assisted rescue techniques.
PTFD firefighter dives into ice water for rescue practice.
These bright yellow suits, recently acquired to replace their 15-year-old predecessors, offer remarkable protection against the freezing waters. The insulation not only prevents hypothermia but is so effective that rescuers must guard against overheating – even in these frigid conditions.
This annual training and practice ensure that the PBPN Fire Department maintains its readiness for real-world ice rescues, demonstrating how even the harshest weather can serve a vital purpose in emergency preparedness.
Four PTFD firefighters pull safety rope as part of ice water rescue procedures.