Recently, six members of the Lakeland Police Department Dive Team were certified in the areas of Water Rescue, Highwater Rescue, and Swiftwater Rescue. The training was hosted at the Fayetteville Technical Community College at their Swiftwater Training Facility. This facility houses a 140,000-gallon pool that has the ability to run currents from 7 MPH to 28 MPH, along with the ability to introduce different vehicles, obstacles, and culverts. Additionally, they are able to simulate nighttime and severe weather conditions to increase the realism of the training.
The need for this training was based on Hurricane Milton that struck Polk County in 2024 and brought flooding in the City of Lakeland. During and after the storm, the LPD Dive Team responded and facilitated a multitude of water rescues from flooded vehicles, houses, and trailers. After the storm, additional training and resources were sought to keep the citizens of Lakeland safe and to expand the responses ofthe Lakeland Police Department. In addition to this training, two new inflatable rescue boats, full sets of protective equipment, and rescue equipment were purchased.
Thank you to the following members for completing this training and their dedication to the citizens of Lakeland.
Sgt. Tyler Anderson
Sgt. Bob Bernhardt
Sgt. Rodney Wilkerson
Det. Sean Mulderrig
Ofc. Isaac Martinez
Ofc. Nathan Smith