Canandaigua firefighters responded to a series of water-related emergencies within a 12-hour window, showcasing their skill and teamwork but highlighting ongoing concerns about staffing levels.
Crews from Engine 211 and Engine 212, each staffed with two firefighters, handled three separate incidents on Tuesday. Two involved paddlers in distress, prompting the deployment of Marine Fire Rescue 2, while the third involved a vehicle that entered the water near the City Pier.
Firefighters quickly donned personal protective equipment and used Marine Fire Rescue 2 to conduct a search before the submerged vehicle became fully inaccessible. Teams worked closely with the Canandaigua Police Department and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Dive Team, ensuring a coordinated response to each incident.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and all victims were safely accounted for. However, the day’s events underscored the need for adequate staffing to maintain rapid and effective emergency responses.
“These incidents are yet another example of why proper staffing is critical,” the firefighters’ union stated. “We were fortunate there were no additional emergencies in Canandaigua during these responses, as it would have severely delayed our ability to assist.”
The union emphasized that while teamwork and training ensured successful outcomes, the strain on resources posed a significant risk to the community.
Canandaigua Professional Firefighters continue to advocate for increased staffing to meet the demands of emergency situations without compromising safety or response times.
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