With homeland security in mind, Springfield Township Sergeant Frank Schipani recently spent two days of dive training in a collaboration project with more than 15 police agencies.
‘We had been planning this for six months,? Schipani, of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), said. The 55-year-old is the OCSD Dive Team co-leader and instructor. He has been diving since he was 12 years old and has been on the 12-member Dive Rescue Team for 25 years. ‘Lt. Joan Morrow, of the Detroit Dive Team, initiated the plan and set it in motion.?
For the homeland security training, which took place June 17 and 18 on the Detroit River, the OCSD, Detroit Police, and 15 other agencies including Border Patrol and Canadian police came together in a joint effort.
‘The idea was if terrorists attacked along the Detroit River we could respond and act as a group,? Schipani said.
It was a two-day scenario set up as if someone had bombed the Detroit-Windsor tunnel.
‘We’re trying to prepare in case something did ever happen on the bridge or at the Renaissance Center.?
Six vehicles and various car debris such as hoods and bumpers as well as mannequins and fake body parts were placed in the river.
The dive teams had to first grid the river on paper and set up a plan of attack. Then they sunk anchors from the rescue boats and worked off of ropes to recover the items. The OCSD furnished the equipment for the training dive.
‘There were a few problems,? Schipani said.
Once in the water, the strong current proved to be a challenge, visibility was limited to only 12 to 18 inches, and recovery was difficult because of a 12 foot drop from the surface to the river.
‘But all-in-all we completed our mission. All the vehicles were recovered and most of the stuff that was in the river.?
The training was taxing, Schipani said. ‘We spent long days. I’d leave here at 6:30 in the morning to get there at 8 a.m. and didn’t get home until 7 p.m.?
After the training was completed, the agencies were able to evaluate what went right and what needed improvement during the simulation.
‘It was a good chance to work together and find our weaknesses and strengths.?
Another joint effort is being discussed for next year.
In regards to keeping Michigan safe from terrorists, Schipani said, ‘We are a lot better prepared now. We have the ability to use the dive team and other teams and work together. It’s a nice pool to draw from.?