Cherokee County First Responders Become Dive Certified

CANTON, GA — Six members of Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services recently completed a dive certification class, according to a news release from the department.

The members are now certified as level 1 emergency response divers, the release said.

They are Capt. Jeff Adamek, Lt. Philip Carlisle, Lt. Joe Ray, Sgt. Brad McDonald, Fire Apparatus Operator Drew Turner and FAO Brandon Watkins.

The course happened in Cherokee County with portions being taught at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center and Lake Allatoona.

"These students are all career firefighters who serve on the CCFES Dive Team and work in stations throughout Cherokee County. Responding to water-related incidents and emergencies requires skilled personnel with advanced certifications and technical training," the release said.

The dive team consists of career and volunteer members trained to match the national standard for rescue dive teams. The team’s capabilities include dry suit diving, full face mask with underwater communications and sonar search with boats, the release said.

Battalion Chief Ricky Collett and instructor Buck Buchanan led the class.