Coordinator Captain Ron Fox

Team Members | Training | Incidents | Dive Rescue Team The Dive Rescue Team is a specialized unit within the Joliet Fire Department. It goes above and beyond regular firefighting duties, comprised of trained and motivated individuals. At present, the team consists of 14 members. Training is a mandatory monthly occurrence at various locations around the City Of Joliet.

The Dive Team utilizes dry suits because of the necessity to dive in a cold temperature environment, and the hazmat composition of the water. We operate in full face aga-masks with hardwire communications. The team employs a progressive stand in the manner it conducts its missions. Due to the constant development of new retention ponds and the heavily populated Des-Plains River traffic, we must remain pro-active in our resolve to deliver the best possible team to the citizens we have sworn to serve.

Though prepared for deployment anywhere in the state of Illinois, the teams main areas of coverage are the waterways of Joliet and its immediate surrounding areas. Some of the waterways within the city borders are extremely dangerous, primarily because man has altered their structure and composition. The Des-Plains River is an old man-made River which runs through the city center in Joliet, with everything imaginable on its floor. It has withstood everything from man’s use and misuse. There are many unidentifiable objects we come in contact with on the channel floor.

Only individuals of sound mind and body are allowed membership on the team because of the situations encountered below the surface. The Des-plains River is unique in its age and its composition. The floor’s terrain spans from concrete laced with rebar, to hardened clay. The shipping lanes have been dredged to infinity, so descending into a crater will be an invariable requirement. Below two feet, visibility virtually is non-existent. Most of our target acquisitions have been raised to the surface, without the divers ever viewing the bodies, because of the black water.

Most of the missions are conducted by feel and touch. The diver’s remaining senses must compensate for the lack of sight. The diver’s psychological state must be in optimal condition, because the floor of the river is the equivalent to being on another planet. None of our diver’s ever dives alone, when a diver enters the water, silence is mandatory, concentration is necessary and absolute teamwork is paramount. Because failure is not an option, our safety measures are diligently adhered to. We dive as one entity, with a shared vision in mind – to complete the mission.

The jury is still out as to the reason why an individual would seek membership on this team. Most likely it is the constant challenge of ones mind and body that may be the culprit. It has never been suggested that this duty is for everyone. The Joliet Fire Department – Dive Rescue Team will conceive, accept, and complete all missions. We will leave no one behind.