Connect with us

Charged: Captain Michael Bettis

Charged: Captain Michael Bettis

The former captain of the Etowah County, Alabama Rescue Squad, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in the death of fellow rescuer Vicky Ryan in a April 25 water rescue attempt. Michael Bettis, 49, faces the Class A misdemeanor charge and was booked into jail Tuesday. Bond was set at $2,500.

More: Captain Heard Screams While in Middle of TV Interview About Ongoing Operation (via Statter911.com)

Rescuers were searching for a missing kayaker who was swept into the water. They crews deployed rescue boats, one of which got too close to a dam and was swept over followed soon thereafter by a second rescue boat. In all, nine rescuers ended up in the Big Wills Creek including Ryan, 46, Al.com reported.

Ryan died at the hospital soon after being pulled from the water. Three other rescuers were hurt. Al.com reported that Ryan’s husband was also a member of the squad. She also leaves behind a son.

The body of the original victim crews were deployed to find was recovered the next day.

An investigation by the state’s law enforcement agency indicated the death was the result of a boat with an inexperienced operator, WBRC.com reported.

4336551_1430029068.4628

Vicky Ryan (via GoFundMe.com

More Coverage:

Video:

Rescue Rigs

North Charleston Fire Department’s Heavy Rescue

Published

on

Heavy Rescue

North Charleston Fire Department’s WalkInHDR is prepared for all types of rescue. The apparatus features anchoring points on each side for technical rescues and has a winch on the front bumper. Inside the body, they selected a smooth aluminum-style wall. This rescue is prepared for technical rope rescue, structure collapse, confined space, and man-in-machine calls. 
Overall Height: 10’ 11”
Overall Length: 35’ 5.25”

Below are links to more information about this heavy rescue:

Make sure you check out the Bumper to Bumper Extrication: Extrication from Inside the Auto Industry Book

Overall Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Compartments Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Cab Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Rear Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Rooftop Pictures

Continue Reading

Rescue Rigs

Elkhart Fire Department Heavy Rescue

Published

on

Elkhart Fire Department Heavy Rescue

When spec’ing its new Heavy Rescue, Elkhart Fire Department chose a 26′ aluminum SVI body mounted on a Sutphen Monarch chassis, which houses an X12 Cummins engine and Allison 4000 6-speed transmission. This Heavy Rescue apparatus comes with a 750 GPM Hale MBP75-29 Pump Station, a 70″ x 60″ Swing-Out Tool Board, KL Slim Light Tower, and much more.

Below are links to more information about this heavy rescue:

Overall Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Compartments Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Cab Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Front Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Rear Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

MISC Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Continue Reading

Rescue Rigs

James City County Fire Department Heavy Rescue

Check out this heavy rescue on the Pierce Blue Floor for its final inspection.

Published

on

James City County Fire Department Heavy Rescue

Below is more information about this heavy rescue:

  • Manufacturer: Pierce
  • Make/Model: Velocity
  • Body: Heavy Duty Walk-In Rescue
  • Engine: Cummins L9 450 HP
  • Axle: Front: Oshkosh TAK-4 22,800 LB | Rear: Dana 27,000 LB
  • Dealer: Atlantic Emergency Solutions

Overall Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Compartments Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Cab Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Front Pictures

Rear Pictures

MISC Pictures

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Continue Reading