TVF&R's Water Rescue Team is part of a consortium which includes law enforcement and fire agencies. The recent award recognized efforts by TVF&R firefighters Scott Brawner, Blake Reichel and Jeff Wood for their lifesaving efforts last summer.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Dive/Rescue team members Deputies Ben Troops and Doug Olsen initially responded to reports of a man who had disappeared while swimming on the Clackamas River in an area known for swift currents and very cold water. Recognizing that every second counts in a drowning emergency, Deputies Troops and Olsen donned Scuba equipment and started a free dive in swift water while TVF&R firefighters helped locate and secure the victim who still had a pulse, and transferred him to waiting EMS personal on shore.

Although there is always an element of heroism involved in dangerous technical rescue operations, the Langley Memorial awards recognize preparedness, teamwork, and a
job well done – sometimes under extreme conditions – where training is vital to the success of
rescue missions, as well as the safety of rescue personnel.

Awards are presented to swiftwater and flood rescue experts worldwide in several significant
categories, including the Outstanding Achievement Award, Program Development Award, Special Commendation Award, and Swiftwater Rescue Incident Award.