Elgin Fire Department tests new dive equipment

The Elgin Fire Department tested Thursday a new dive rescue system that officials say will make operations much safer and more efficient.

Normally the system would have cost $137,000 but fire department members won a 70 percent discount at a raffle held during a dive conference, so the price tag came out to about $45,000, Assistant Fire Chief Tim Maroder said.

The new equipment is lighter and reduces the risk of entanglement with rope, fishing line and the like. It also has greater backup air supply, officials said.

The fire department's diving team trained with the new system in the geothermal lake on the Advocate Sherman Hospital property, and a day earlier in the pool of the Centre of Elgin.

Firefighter Cy Mikleson was excited to get the system into open water and see how it performed.

Despite cooler weather and strong winds, Mikleson and his teammates ran through several exercises to become acclimated to the new equipment.

After the training, the system will be available for use on rescue calls.