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Welcome to the Official Website for the Friendship Fire Company No.2
Diving-Rescue Unit & UAV Search Team
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The inception of the Friendship Fire Company Diving-Rescue Unit, Chester County Station 77, dates back to 1952 with the core mission of aiding those in distress. Since our establishment, we have tirelessly strived to deliver our specialized services whenever and wherever the need has arisen.
Our team is composed entirely of dedicated volunteers. Currently, we extend our specialized search, rescue, and recovery services to the police and fire departments within the tri-county area. These services encompass underwater recovery of drowning victims, water rescues, ice rescues, and underwater searches for evidence and items. While even the smallest assistance can make a significant difference, it demands committed men and women to offer that assistance.
This is why we are particularly thrilled to welcome new volunteers who share our dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Would you like to support our cause by contributing to our efforts? If so, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. A helping hand is always warmly received!
Friendship Fire Company Dive-Rescue Responds to Large-Scale Multi-Agency Water Rescue in Maryland
UAV Pilot Rick Rotondo, December 12
Last week, our Station was dispatched to assist with a large-scale water rescue and recovery operation in Havre de Grace, Harford County, Maryland.
Dive-Rescue 77-1 responded with Boat 77-1, along with Dive-Rescue 77-2 and Dive-Rescue 77-3, bringing a total of four divers and additional personnel to the incident. The response included multiple dive teams from Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, ... (Full Story & Photos)
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Photo courtesy of front officer seat crewmember Mike Wilson.
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November Drill Highlights Line Gun Operations and Drone Support Training
UAV Pilot Rick Rotondo, November 30
November’s team drill focused on two major skill stations: line gun operations and drone support. For many newer members, it was their first time seeing how these tools work and can be utilized either individually or together during water and technical rescues.
A lot of folks don’t know what a line gun is. It’s a specialized device that launches a high-strength line over long distances, typically ... (Full Story & Photos)
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Phoenixville Agencies Conduct Realistic Night Search Drill in Reservoir Park
UAV Pilot Rick Rotondo, November 29
Recently, our team partnered with the Phoenixville Fire Department for a joint nighttime search-and-rescue drill in Reservoir Park. A couple of “lost hikers” were staged within the trail system to create a realistic response scenario.
Ground crews from both agencies searched on foot and by UTV while our DJI M30T scanned the area using the onboard thermal camera. After the first victim was located, ... (Full Story & Photos)
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Multi-Agency Dive Drill Enhances Rescue Readiness at Black Rock Dam
UAV Pilot Rick Rotondo, November 28
Last month, our team trained alongside Telford Diving & Rescue Unit and Chester County Parks + Preservation Park Rangers during a joint dive drill at Black Rock Dam. Divers from all three agencies entered the water downstream of the dam and proceeded to train directly under the boil to build comfort and control in moving water. Low-flow conditions made it an ideal environment for this type of training.
We ... (Full Story & Photos)
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Building Critical Skills: GPS-Degraded Drone Ops with Upper Uwchlan PD
Lead UAV Pilot Rick Rotondo, March 15
Last month, members of our team and Upper Uwchlan Police Department got together to conduct specialized drone flight training. Together, we practiced operating drones in challenging conditions—including GPS-degraded and GPS-denied environments, as well as close-quarters flying near walls and obstacles. We also sharpened our skills at several NIST training stations. These exercises help ensure we’re ... (Full Story & Photos)
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Friendship Diving-Rescue Unit Assists in West Caln Underwater Search
UAV Pilot Rick Rotondo, May 16
Last week, our Team was called to assist the Wagontown Fire Company, Honey Brook Fire Company #1, the Large Animal Rescue Team from Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company, and Park Rangers in a search and recovery operation for a horse at Chambers Lake in Hibernia Park, near Coatesville. Upon arrival, we deployed a boat and sent divers with gear to the other side of the lake. Our team used sonar and underwater cameras ... (Full Story & Photos)
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Congratulations Member Monica Vega
Assistant Chief Joseph Motzer, March 20
Yesterday, Friendship Fire Company's own Monica Vega successfully completed sixth months of training to become a certified Emergency Medical Technician. All the Officers and Members of Friendship send their congratulations to EMT Vega on a job well done!... (Full Story & Photos)
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Thermal Drone Search Assist in East Nantmeal Township
UAV Pilot Rick Rotondo, February 29
Last week, our Team was deployed to support the Ludwigs Corner Fire Company, East Nantmeal Police, and PA State Police in a search operation in East Nantmeal Township. Our team dedicated several hours to searching the area utilizing our DJI M30t thermal drone. The Pennsylvania State Police's Aviation Patrol Unit and Tredyffrin Township Police Department's UAS unit also participated in the search, ... (Full Story & Photos)
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