Cocke County Emergency Management Agency Announces New Dive Team

The Cocke County Emergency Management Agency announced this week the creation of a new Dive Team that will be an extension of The Cocke County Swift Water Rescue (SWR) Team. Named as the Team Leader of the new Dive Team is Cocke County Sheriffs Office Deputy Randy Forbes. Also selected as fellow diver and training officer is Cocke County Sheriffs Office Lieutenant Danny Ray Reece. both men had been on the Swift Water Rescue Team. Both were required to complete The Swift Water Rescue Technician Course from Rescue 3 International. Since both drivers are required to be in the water, a third is needed to provide immediate rescue. So EMA Director Joe Esway completed the training and certification with the team. Training for the group was done by Alpha Divers based out of Knoxville.

According to Joe Esway, up until now, missions requiring underwater recovery have been completed through a coordinated effort between Emergency Management, Swift Water Rescue, Newport Rescue Squad, the Cocke County Sheriffs Office, and other supporting agencies. The EMA Director says the creation of the Dive Team is an asset that brings enhanced skills, equipment, and capabilities to each situation that will result in a more expedient and safer outcome. The Dive Team will be utilized in concert with those other agencies.

There is a plan to add two more divers to the team, but that will be done as budgeting permits. Funding for the Dive Team comes from The River Safety operating budget as well as Federal and State Grants. Director Esway said in a press release that he is grateful to Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis, The Cocke County Budget Committee, and The Cocke County Legislative Body for their support in making the Dive Team a reality.