Water Rescue Team

Butler County Regional Water Rescue Team

Beginning in 2010, Sheriff Jones expanded the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol into a Regional Water Rescue Unit. While the Marine Patrol still has its function in summer enforcement and water patrols, the state of the economy dictated Water Rescue’s expanded role in emergency situations.

With shrinking budgets, it became apparent that cooperation and consolidation with other entities in Butler County could bring a bigger knowledge base, expanded water assets and man powder to the scene of any water related emergency.

This team consists of members and assets from:

• Butler County Sheriff’s Office
• Hanover Township Fire Department
• Madison Township Fire Department
• Middletown Police Department
• St. Clair Township Fire Department

All members of Water Rescue are trained in many diverse areas of expertise, and bring many years of experience to the team. Team members must have training in swift water rescue, rope rescue, hazardous materials and NIMS/ICS.

With the vast system of waterways within Butler County, the placement of equipment was a major consideration as was the availability of manpower close to an emergency incident. The Great Miami River has been the source of water related incidents over the years and was one of the main factors in determining equipment placement. Madison Township / Middletown area was chosen for one of two response trucks, while the second is based in Hamilton. Not only does it serve the central and western portions of Butler County, it is also out whenever the Marine Patrol is doing enforcement or waterway patrols.