In May of 1991 the Richmond Police Department formed its first Public Safety Scuba Team with 3 officers. In August of 1992 the Richmond Police Department joined forces with the Richmond Fire Department in an effort to strengthen the number of participants and further our training efforts. As a result, the Richmond Water Rescue unit was formed. Currently there are 16 police and fire members who work with the Water Rescue Unit. Strict training standards and guidelines are the backbone of this unit.

There are two Public Safety Scuba Instructors / Dive Rescue 1 trainers on staff. All members are trained and certified through PADI, SSI, and/or Dive Rescue International Inc. in basic open water, advanced open water, and Dive Rescue 1 standards. In addition, members have received training and certification in River Rescue techniques and tactics, conducted at the Indiana River Rescue school held in South Bend, Indiana. Equipped with underwater metal detection and communication equipment the team has recovered everything from jewelry, guns, and bicycles to mopeds, motorcycles, and automobiles.

Under the worst of conditions, members of this unit have been called upon to make the ultimate commitment to the unit by searching and recovering a victim of a drowning incident.

Some of the duties unit members are called upon to perform include:

• Water Rescue
• Evidence/Body Recovery
• Flood/Swift Water Disasters
• Education/Training in Rescue Procedures

If you would like to have a presentation by the Richmond Water Rescue team at your event or function, please call Detective Mark Ward at (765)983-7376 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it