GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Many may not be aware that Gridley is the hub for the CALFIRE Butte County’s Swift Water Rescue Team (BCSWRT).

The BCSWRT has the distinction of being the only Swift Water Rescue Team comprised wholly of CALFIRE members in the State of California. It is a 14-member team with a handful of reserve members, specially trained to respond to water-based emergency situations, including flooding and rapid moving water rescues.

In 2014, the team certified as an Office of Emergency Services (OES) Type 2 Swift Water Team, with 5 technicians, a team lead, and a long list of specialized equipment to qualify for the OES system. The distinction of being a Type 2 OES team opened the BCSWRT up to respond not only to emergency situations in Butte County, but neighboring counties and even out of state emergencies.

In 2020, after receiving funding for post Camp Fire debris flows, the BCSWRT was able to bolster their rescue team, purchasing more specialized equipment and completing the training to become an OES Type 1 Swift Water Rescue Team. The team has been recognized by other water rescue teams across the nation for their innovations in rescue techniques.

To be an OES Type 1 rescue team, the team was required to grow to the now 14-member team with two managers and two squad leaders. For the BCSWRT, Captain Conaty of Gridley is a team leader and South County Division Chief, working with, Sean Norman Division Chief, team leader and team coordinator. Of the Swift Water Rescue Team, Conaty says, “It’s as high as you can get in our realm.” He continues, “We are a proud member of a Type 1 Swift Water Rescue Team.”

All CALFIRE firefighters have a minimum of water rescue training, but the BCSWRT requires their technicians to have a minimum of 40 hours certified training, boat and rescue watercraft training, and annual Swift Water Rescue training on a variety of northern California waterways. The team cross trains with other agencies and specialized rescue teams.

As the hub, the Gridley Fire Station also stores the BCSWRT equipment, which features a variety of watercraft that are used to respond to emergency incidents across the county and further. That includes a specialized inflatable raft designed for use by the Navy Seals and adapted for use by CALFIRE units, paddle rafts, a standard motorized boat, rescue jet skis, night vision capabilities, technical rope systems, and top of the line safety gear.

Of Gridley being the hub of the BCSWRT, Norman says, “I think it’s a huge accomplishment for our fire department, which is reflective of the community.” Many members of the team hail from Gridley and as the hub, Gridley benefits from the added layer of safety with the BCSWRT and quick response times. “More importantly, I think it’s just something that shows the commitment that all of the folks have on our team.” Norman continues, “It was a huge accomplishment by everyone involved.”