Special Operations ensures that AFD’s specialty teams maintain their certification and training levels. It also purchases and maintains materials and equipment.
The Special Operations Division has evolved into a separate battalion (Battalion 6) within AFD Operations. It encompasses three special disciplines:
Water Rescue
- Responds for dive rescues and recoveries, as well as assisting people who are caught by rapidly rising flood waters. AFD also has boats available for back-up response at three outlying stations.
Hazardous Materials Response
- Responds to incidents involving hazardous materials. Team members are trained to deal with chemical spills, gas leaks and other situations involving hazardous materials.
Search and Rescue (Technical Rescue)
- Responds to confined space, trench or high angle rescues that involve the use of ropes and rappelling techniques.