Volunteer Diver Program To Be Established In Mahwah

MAHWAH, NJ — An associate diver program will be established within the Mahwah Fire & Rescue Co. 1 Rescue team that will allow volunteer divers to join without being required to complete firefighter training.

Mahwah's Dive Rescue team is a specially trained team of firefighters who perform underwater search, rescue and recovery operations, the ordinance establishing the volunteer program said.

The ordinance was approved by the Mahwah Township Council at last week's meeting.

"I think it's a great idea," Mayor Jim Wysocki said at the meeting. "The more people, the better. If they're certified, let's go."

Associate team members must possess a valid open water diver certification card from a nationally accredited institute, and meet several other qualifications, including completion of a diving physical. But they are exempt from Fire Fighter 1 certification requirements, the ordinances said.

New associate team members shall serve a probationary period of one year, during which they must maintain 75% meeting and drill percentage. Each member must also demonstrate knowledge of the standard operating guideline and equipment, and proficiency in operations and skills prior to becoming an active diver.

"We couldn't do this without your guys' support," Mahwah Rescue Dive Coordinator Timothy Andro told the council at the meeting.