The fire chief and the mayor of Napanee are praising local first responders, following a difficult rescue we told you about Monday.
On Saturday evening, fire and emergency officials were called to a water rescue at Springside Park, where a vehicle had gone in the water, finally resting on the dam.
Emergency crews were able to rescue the lone occupant, however, with the spring water flows, it was a very dangerous scene.
Mayor Terry Richardson expressed gratitude, stating the fire personnel put their own lives at risk and they should be commended.
Fire Chief Shawn Armstrong says the rescue highlights the dangers and complexities of swift moving water.
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(Screen grab from video taken by Jim Brandeau)
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The Greater Napanee Fire Department is working with agency partners after performing a water rescue at Springside Park on March 22, 2025.
Following the water rescue of a motorist, Fire Chief Shawn Armstrong will be reviewing the incident with responding crews and agency partners in the future to understand how the Fire Department can adapt and learn from the incident.
The Fire Department’s current focus is ensuring that the firefighters who attended the scene are recovering from the impacts of the incident.
The Greater Napanee Fire Department will be working with agency partners responsible for Ontario waterways during the vehicle removal process to ensure that any potential impacts on the waterway, as well as on the town’s parklands, environment, and species located in and around the river, are considered.
Species in the area include geese, ducks, a variety of fish, and turtles to name a few.
Terry Richardson, mayor of the Town of Greater Napanee. “On Saturday, March 22, members of our Fire Department along with other members of our Emergency Services network attended the falls at Springside Park with respect to a vehicle and occupant that had entered the river and become lodged at the top of the falls. As a result of the heroic actions of our Fire Department personnel, the lone occupant was rescued from the vehicle. Members of our Fire Department put their own lives at risk in order to preserve the life of others. They should be commended and thanked for the service they provide to our community. The Town of Greater Napanee will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the vehicle is removed from the falls as quickly and safely as possible.”
Shawn Armstrong, Fire Chief for the Greater Napanee Fire Department “I am proud of the teamwork of all Fire Department members at this incident. The water rescue incident highlights the dangers and complexities of technical rescues in swift moving water courses. The Greater Napanee Fire Department members are committed to ensuring responder safety. An incident debrief will occur with all involved to review and highlight any recommendations regarding future responses of this nature.”
