Fort McCoy Firefighters Dive Team Saves Lives for 15 Years

When someone falls through ice or disappears beneath murky water, most fire departments can only wait for outside help. But Fort McCoy's firefighters dive in themselves.

The Wisconsin Army installation has operated a specialized scuba dive team for almost 15 years, bringing underwater rescue skills to a region that desperately needs them. Deputy Fire Chief Brady Brever, who's been with the team since the beginning, says their work saves lives that would otherwise be lost.

Fort McCoy covers nearly 60,000 acres filled with lakes, rivers, and streams. Soldiers train in these waters year-round, and locals use them for recreation. When emergencies happen, minutes matter.

The dive team trains relentlessly for scenarios most people never imagine. They practice rescuing people trapped under ice, searching through pitch-black water where you can't see your hand in front of your face, and coordinating complex operations with wireless underwater communication systems. In February, they conducted ice rescue drills at Big Sandy Lake, plunging into freezing conditions to keep their skills sharp.

Their specialized gear includes dry suits, full-face masks, and communication systems that let divers talk to surface crews in real time. This equipment helps them work safely in conditions that would be impossible for most responders.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this team truly special is how they serve communities far beyond the base. Many small towns in neighboring counties lack the equipment and training for water rescues. When someone goes missing in a lake or river, Fort McCoy's team answers the call.

Through mutual aid agreements, these military firefighters have become a lifeline for civilian communities across the region. They've searched for missing persons, rescued people from witnessed water emergencies, and recovered evidence for investigations. Their presence means rural communities get the same level of emergency response as big cities.

The partnership strengthens bonds between the military base and surrounding towns. Local families know that if tragedy strikes on the water, help is available. This connection builds trust and proves how military installations can be powerful community assets.

Other Army bases have taken notice. Fort McCoy stands as one of the few installations nationwide with dive team capabilities, showing what's possible when fire departments invest in specialized rescue skills.

After 15 years of service, the Fort McCoy dive team proves that preparation and dedication create real safety for everyone who lives and works near water.