Thursday, August 08, 2013

State police, Lynchburg Fire Department train with helicopters



Virginia State Police personnel practiced hoisting and rappelling skills from a Bell 407 helicopter Wednesday morning in Lynchburg. 

 Members of the Lynchburg Fire Department were invited to take part in the exercise at the Fire Training Center off Airport Road. Battalion Chief Jason Campbell said firefighters may need these skills in certain rescue situations.

"We could be rappelling if someone was in an area that was hard to get to," he said.

Campbell said this was the department's first time teaming up with state police for the training. Some state police officers undergo helicopter training at least twice a year, according to First Sgt. Perry Bashoof.

Bashoof said troopers sometimes rappel from helicopters in wilderness rescues or evacuations amid natural disasters.

Story and Photos:   http://www.newsadvance.com