Over the past few weeks, they've been training in the classroom - today, they ditched the books and got some hands-on experience in an ice rescue.
"Sitting in a classroom is one thing, but actually doing the job is critical" Larry Hemphill, division chief of training and safety said. "You have to be able to do the job because seconds means lives in the business."
Around 20 firefighters took turns rescuing a "victim" out of the icy Lakewood Park Pond. This is just one of the types of rescues the team performs.
Firefighters we spoke with say the training is tough because the suits don't offer a lot of mobility. At least the suits keep them warm and dry.
"You really have no idea how cold the water really is unless it hits you in the face," Kyle Saskowksi said.
The team handles one or two ice rescues each season, so it's important to stay prepared.
The team also trained on things like structure collapses, rope rescues and swift water rescues. The team does this training every year.
