Little Rice Fire Department, Nicolet College partner on ice rescue, cold water training exercise

TOWN OF LITTLE RICE – The Little Rice Fire Department, in partnership with Nicolet College, held a cold water and ice rescue training class on Lake Killarney this past weekend.

A release from the Little Rice Fire Department said the training, offered on Saturday, Jan. 25, provided invaluable education and hands-on experience for 25 participants from the Little Rice, Pine Lake, Minocqua and Fence (Florence County) fire departments.

“The day began with a three-hour classroom session at the Little Rice Fire Department, where participants learned the principles of ice rescue, practiced knot-tying techniques and familiarized themselves with specialized rescue equipment,” the release stated. “Following this, the group headed onto the ice at Lake Killarney to put their training into action, conducting realistic ice rescue drills.”

“This training is crucial for our firefighters and rescue personnel,” said Little Rice Fire Department Chief Larry Mathein. “With so many lakes and streams in our coverage area, ice/water rescues are a real possibility every year. It’s important to stay prepared, both for our safety and for the safety of our community.”

The release said statistics underscore the importance of ice rescue training, noting that according to recent reports, Wisconsin experienced seven ice rescues over one weekend in late January, “highlighting the dangers of unpredictable ice conditions.”

“The training at Little Rice comes at a critical time, ensuring local fire departments are ready to respond to emergencies in these challenging conditions,” the release stated.

According to the release, last year, the department successfully assisted in the rescue of a father and son who fell through the ice while fishing on the Willow Reservoir.

“That rescue was made possible thanks to our training, specialized equipment including ice rescue suits and the department’s rescue sled, which can traverse both ice and open water,” the release said.

Participants in the recent training were enthusiastic about the hands-on nature of the exercises.

“The opportunity to practice in real conditions is invaluable,” one attendee remarked. “Knowing we have the skills and the tools to make a difference gives us the confidence to respond effectively.”

“It’s great to train alongside neighboring departments,” another participant added. “Teamwork is critical during these types of emergencies.”

Mathein emphasized the importance of ongoing training.

“Our goal is to be as prepared as possible for any scenario, and this class is a big part of that continuing preparation,” he stated.

The Little Rice Fire Department is a volunteer organization comprised of 30 members. The department’s jurisdiction covers approximately 150 square miles of the townships of Little Rice and Lynne, including numerous lakes and streams.

For more information about the Little Rice Fire Department or how to support their efforts, contact Mathein at 715-612-5514 or lrfd51@gmail.com.