The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office Dive Team training for new team members started in the beginning of summer.  Paul Fraser of Dive and Rescue Educators led the training at various locations throughout the parish.

“Our team is increasing in size to improve and be better prepared for emergency response and recovery operations,” Lt. Chip Wale said.

New team members are learning various watermanship and dive skills to become certified to the level of a public safety diver.

Members also are learning techniques to work in black water with little or no visibility. Upon completion of training, the team will have three new divers join four veteran divers. Divers work in various technical environments in evidence and vehicle recovery.