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Owensboro Fire Department details river and water‑rescue assets, training and staffing needs
Summary
Fire department leaders described water rescue assets along the Ohio River and within city basins, recent technology upgrades, mutual‑aid arrangements and a request to expand the swift‑water technician team if the commission approves budget funding.
Battalion Chief Jason Pickrell and Lieutenant Ted Johnston of the Owensboro Fire Department briefed the Board of Commissioners on May 20, 2025, about the department’s water rescue response capabilities, equipment and training needs.
Pickrell said the city faces significant water risks because the Ohio River forms Owensboro’s northern border and the Department’s coverage area spans roughly 50 river miles between local dams. He said the river corridor is heavily trafficked by barges and marine commerce and that Owensboro’s river port handles about 600 barges annually. Mutual aid agreements with Hancock County, Davis County, Ohio Township and Henderson County cover incidents…
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