IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Community members can join in supporting the Dickinson County Dive Rescue team at Lake Antoine Park for a family-friendly fundraising effort. With only a $5 cover charge, bounce houses for the kiddos, and 40-50 generous baskets donated by local businesses and organizations, it’s an event not to be missed.
Craig VanPembrook, Volunteer Rescue Diver and President of the Borderhounds LEMC, emphasizes the critical need for a standalone local dive team: “If we can get to the site and get in the water soon enough, there’s a chance that a life could be saved.”
Chuck Lantz, a member of the Borderhounds Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club organizing the fundraiser, which runs from noon until 10 p.m. CST this Saturday, June 15th, is thrilled about the lineup: “We have three bands playing, including the headliner Oz, who was a hit last year.”
Lantz expresses gratitude to sponsors like Kenneth James Salon and Rize U.P., saying, “We have huge support in the community. We just want to say thank you to all our sponsors, but we have a mainstage sponsor this year. That really came through Kenneth James Salon. She sponsored us for the main stage.” he stated, adding “Let’s raise a lot of money for this dive team, it’s such an underfunded program that we just want to support as a local motorcycle club.”
But Lantz promises, the fun doesn’t stop there! Bill Neuens will bring back his life-size mechanical bull for added entertainment. “The mechanical bull from the ice cream barn will be back. We have confirmed that,” assured Lantz. Other kids’ activities include a fun bag toss game, and multiple bounce houses.
So let’s come together, enjoy great music, entertainment, and raise funds for this underfunded dive team.
“There are three bands playing Seth Brown duo from 12-3. After that, they’ll be a band out of Marquette called Spun, so those are the two new ones from 3:30 to 6:30. Oz is the headliner,” informed Lantz.
Can’t make it? You can still contribute by contacting the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office. Let’s make a splash for a great cause! Contact the Dickinson County Sheriff’s office to contribute, by calling 906-774-6262.
More information about the Dickinson County Dive Rescue Team:
Dickinson County urgently requires its own standalone dive team. Despite the dedicated efforts of volunteers and the invaluable support from neighboring counties, it is clear that an independent, fully-equipped dive team is essential for timely and effective emergency response.
Current Team and Capabilities:
• Personnel: The team consists of 6 divers and 4 support staff, all volunteers. Ideally, the goal is to expand to at least a dozen members to ensure adequate coverage.
• Responsibilities: Handling swift water rescues, wilderness medevacs, and assisting EMS in Delta and Florence Counties. Divers are also trained in ice rescues.
• Training: Currently, training and collaboration take place with Delta County’s dive team.
• New Acquisition: The dive team recently acquired a new boat, significantly enhancing their operational capacity.
• Response Mechanism: The dive team can respond to emergencies via a 911 call through the sheriff’s office, enabling rapid deployment to assist Delta and Florence counties.
Financial Requirements:
• Cost to Outfit Divers: Each diver requires $8,000 to $10,000 for full gear and equipment. A fully outfitted team would require approximately $50,000.
• Dive masks alone cost around $1,500 each.
• Current Funding: Contributions from Dickinson 100+ Women and the Borderhounds LEMC annual fundraiser have raised about $22,000 so far.
Equipment Needs
• Personal Equipment Use: Several divers are still using personal equipment. This makes it imperative to have dedicated gear for fast emergency response, proper maintenance, and accountability.
Justification for a Standalone Team:
• Local Geography: Dickinson County has 20 lakes with an average depth of 35 feet. Immediate access to a local dive team is crucial for effective emergency response.
• Training Needs: To maintain certifications, divers must complete training through Dive Rescue International every three years. Increasing the frequency and scope of training is necessary due to the challenging local conditions. The Dive team also needs to expand the scope of its training to include certifications that reflect the treacherous nature of dangerous rapids within the local geography.
Call to Action:
Establishing a standalone dive team in Dickinson County is not just a matter of convenience but a critical need for the safety and well-being of residents. With the necessary funding, the dive team can be fully equipped, properly trained, and ready to respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively.
For the Dickinson County Sheriffs Department website, visit:
https://www.dickinsoncountymi.gov/government/county_departments/sheriffs_department.php
