The Conway Police Department Dive Team was formed in the Fall of 1996. Its creation was motivated by two important factors. The first factor was one coincidence. Just by the natural order of things it turned out that we had seven certified divers on the Police Force. This is basically one third of the force! The second factor was a desire to utilize dive skills as a platform to expand the public service role of the Department.
In many areas of the country, Police Departments serve both a traditional Police role and a specialized "Emergency Services Response Role" in a variety of situations. This multi-function role is probably best typified by NYPD's Emergency Services Unit or ESU, although on a much smaller scale. We felt that a Dive Team could serve a real, albeit specialized need of the area, as well as provide that "jumping off place" for a future multi-task Emergency Services Unit. The community of Conway, NH is probably best described as a Four Seasons Resort, nestled in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley area. We have a permanent local population of around 12,000 that resides within 84 square miles of the most beautiful country New England has to offer. The local residents, as in any vacation destination, are easily outnumbered 10 to 1 during peak periods. It is not uncommon for 100,000 tourists to be in the area, shopping, eating, or playing in the surrounding mountains and waterways. With miles of recreational waterways within the town, the need for a Dive Team, as well as the potential for disaster, is clear.
The Dive Team is currently made up of six divers and approximately five tenders. The divers can serve both roles while most tenders are non-diver personnel that want to be involved. At present we have had several training dives to include a mass casualty dive combining the efforts of the Conway Fire Department and their public safety divers. This was a critical step in Town as far as development of the team from both a perspective of training and credibility. Working with the local Fire Department was an excellent chance to meet with other divers, work with another Emergency Services Agency and show the Town we were serious about the Team. It was well run and received. Chief Larry Wade, of the Conway Fire Department along with Sergeant Tommie McKenzie, Divemaster of the PD Dive Team, ran an ICS program that was a real challenge. local press coverage showed all personnel working very hard and well together. It was a huge success! The Dive Team Divers, and the infrastructure is as follows:
The Dive Team Divers, and the infrastructure is as follows:
- Sgt. Chris Perley, Diver, Executive Officer [Right]
- Corporal Tommie Mckenzie, Divemaster
- Corporal George Walker, Divemaster
- Patrolman Chris Kevlin, Team Leader
- Sergeant Nathan Boothby, Diver
- Patrolman Eric Dewitt, Diver
The tenders include:
- Detective Alan Broyer
- Special Officer Gary Anderson
- Detective Edward Wagner
- Detective Joe Faia
- Detective Sergeant Michael Santuccio
You may notice that the chain of command contradicts the rank structure of the Department. This was done for a couple of reasons. The most important reason was the experience level didn't necessarily coincide with the present rank. Treating the Dive Team more like a "cell" within the Police Department rather than just an extension of the present line and staff, seemed to be the smartest thing to do. The other reason was to see if that type of command system works well with special services.
So far it has worked out effectively with a few minor "bumps in the road". A big plus for the Dive Team has been the attitude of the Chief, Robert J. Mullen. With full support, he has let us "take the ball and run with it", with matters relative to the dive team. Although all actions are subject to the Chief's approval, he has given us a great latitude with our operations. His perspective from the start was, since he was not a diver, he would trust our judgment in this area.
All the divers own their own equipment. Some items have been donated from local citizens and merchants. The Team favors Zeagle Ranger BC's and tech 50D severe environmental regulators. We presently dive 7MM Farmer wetsuits with full protection head to toe. Most of the water we dive, like most of New England, is cold! We have been in water as cold as 38 degrees and nothing warmer than 55-60 degrees at the surface. Fortunately most of us are accustomed to such conditions being from the area.
We are working towards acquiring dry suits for obvious reasons. Many of us are active recreational divers as well, trying to get in a dive a week year round. We have personnel trained in relocation and recovery, surface rescue, ice diving, and public safety diving. Members are encouraged to continue with their dive education whenever possible. I am presently working on my Master Diver rating with NASDS. Our "Home Shop", Dive Winnepesaukee, located in Wolfboro, NH and has been most helpful.
To date we have had one operational dive. In the Spring of 1997 a stolen van was ditched in a pond off of Stark Rd. in Conway, NH. At the time we were unsure if it was a crash or just a crime scene. The area was searched and determined that no victims were present. All members are looking forward to the coming months for ice diving and a continued emphasis on sharpening our skills in dive rescue/recovery. If anyone has any suggestions or comments feel free to contact us via e-Mail.
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