The call comes in at 2:47 AM—a vehicle has plunged through thin ice into the frigid waters of a local reservoir. While most of the community sleeps, a specialized team of first responders is already suiting up in dry suits and checking oxygen levels. For Windsor Severance Fire Rescue's dive team, this is exactly the moment they've trained for. As a member agency of the Northern Colorado Special Operations Team and the Northern Colorado Dive Team, WSFR provides crucial rescue capabilities above and below the surface of our community’s many
water getaways.
The WSFR Dive Team was established in 2021 and quickly expanded with the addition of a specialized dive truck and Zodiac rescue boat. “The WSFR Dive Team is a vital asset to the communities we serve, providing specialized water rescue capabilities,” said Deputy Fire Chief Darren Jaques. “Our team’s dedication, training, and readiness ensure that we can respond swiftly and effectively when every second counts. Whether it's a submerged vehicle, a missing
person, or evidence recovery, our Dive Team exemplifies our commitment to protecting the community in every environment, above and below the surface."
The path to joining this elite squad isn't for the faint-hearted. Candidates must complete an intensive two-week diving academy that pushes physical and mental limits, followed by rigorous ongoing training sessions. Team members master complex rescue scenarios across diverse conditions—from summer's sun-warmed waters where families enjoy recreational floating to winter's treacherous ice formations that can trap the unsuspecting.
What sets WSFR apart is their collaborative approach to emergency response. As proud members of both the Northern Colorado Special Operations Team and the Northern Colorado Dive Team, they've created a seamless network of qualified rescue technicians spanning multiple fire agencies. When a crisis strikes, this brotherhood of first responders mobilizes with military precision.
Innovation extends beyond training. WSFR has partnered with Windsor's Open Space and Trails Division to implement emergency marking systems throughout the community's recreational areas. New signage along the Poudre River at Eastman Park River Experience ensures that when summer adventurers need help, rescue teams can locate them with GPS accuracy.
Through changing seasons and varying conditions, these dedicated first responders continually train to master specialized skills needed when someone's life hangs in the balance. Their commitment to exploring the depths, whether in warm summer waters or winter ice, represents WSFR's mission of “providing professional service and compassionate care from our family to yours.”
In a world where emergencies don't wait for convenient timing, Windsor Severance Fire Rescue's dive team stands as silent guardians—ready to answer the call when someone's life hangs in the balance beneath the surface.