⚙️ Technical Rescue Team
As our name suggests, the Zion Fire & Rescue Department is responsible for both fire suppression and rescue operations within the City of Zion. While most of our emergency calls involve medical incidents, vehicle accidents, or fires, there are times when something far more complex and unusual occurs.
Examples might include a Water Department employee collapsing deep in a tunnel, a window-washing scaffold failing several stories high, or an excavating crew trapped in a collapsed trench. These are extraordinary situations that demand highly trained personnel equipped with specialized tools and knowledge.
Countywide Specialized Response
Lake County is fortunate to have a progressive and cooperative approach to emergency preparedness. All Lake County fire departments participate in the Specialized Response Team for Technical Rescue, a countywide collaboration that ensures access to personnel, equipment, and training that would otherwise be too costly for any single department.
The Zion Fire & Rescue Department proudly plays an active role in this team, contributing both skilled personnel and logistical support.
Four Core Disciplines
The Technical Rescue Team is organized into four main specialties:
- Confined Space Rescue – For victims trapped in tunnels, tanks, or other enclosed spaces with limited access.
- High Angle Rescue – For incidents occurring at significant heights such as towers, cliffs, or high-rise structures.
- Structural Collapse Rescue – For building or structural failures caused by weather, explosions, or natural disasters.
- Trench Rescue – For victims trapped or buried during excavation or construction operations.
The Zion Fire & Rescue Department has team members trained in all four disciplines, ensuring readiness for any type of technical rescue scenario.
Meet Our Team
Members currently assigned to the Lake County Technical Rescue Team include:
- Rocco Campanella
- Tom Bailey
- Jason Messick
Joining this elite team requires extensive initial training and continuous education to maintain proficiency in advanced rescue operations and emerging safety techniques.
Whether an emergency happens in Zion, anywhere in Lake County, or across the country, you can be confident that well-trained, highly skilled rescuers will respond when they’re needed most.
