Barlow spearheads effort to have certified divers in the county
Barlow exits lake after dive
Others ready to enter lake for training exercise
Members of the Escambia County Rescue Squad were in Flomaton Tuesday and Wednesday at Hurricane Lake to certify four divers and four surface personnel that will create the first certified dive and rescue squad in the county.
Brandon Barlow, president of the rescue squad and a full time fireman with the Brewton Fire Department, spearheaded the creation of the dive squad.
Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson and Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton said having a certified dive team in the county was a big step forward.
"We've had two or three drownings in our fire district since I've been here," Stanton said. "It's hard to get a dive team to respond."
Sheriff Jackson said he has to reach out to certified dive teams in either Daphne, Mobile or Conecuh and Monroe counties when dive teams are needed.
"I've always been impressed with our rescue squad," Sheriff Jackson said. "They will do whatever is asked of them and there's not a better group of people who donate their time and energy to help the people of this county."
Barlow said the training began Tuesday at the lake in Flomaton with the goal of providing public safety. Barlow was the first to dive at the lake.
Barlow is joined by divers Chris Cone and Chris Hallford as the three member dive team. The four surface members of the team are Larry Martin, Carrie Cone, Christian Morgan and Helen Jackson.
"This is brand new and we are just starting this team," Barlow said.
Tuesday's training involved mastering two search paterns and will continue to train to help other divers in distress or an entangled or trapped diver.
Barlow said the dive team is just another element of what the rescue squad currently does, which helps with land searches, vehicle crashes and more.
Barlow also noted that the rescue squad has mutual aid agreements with surrounding counties and will respond, noting those counties will respond to Escambia County when needed.
"We are all in this to help people in need," Barlow said. "The dive team is just another arm of what we do."
