Special Operations: Specialized Teams for Complex Emergencies

Our special operations division is part of the Lewisville Fire Department, but not all members are required to be part of a special operations team. These members undergo specialized initial training and must maintain proficiency by obtaining monthly continuing education in their particular discipline. We currently offer four specialized programs.

Why Technical Rescue Matters to Our Community

In our commitment to safeguarding the community, we recognized the need to develop specialized skills in Technical Rescue to address the unique and challenging situations that can arise in emergencies. Whether it’s a car accident requiring vehicle stabilization and extrication, a person stranded on a steep incline needing high-angle or low-angle rope rescue, or a life at risk in fast-moving water, these scenarios demand more than basic firefighting skills.

Understanding the complexities and risks involved, our team has undergone extensive training to master these specialized rescue techniques. We invested in this training because we know that every second counts in an emergency, and having the right skills can mean the difference between life and death. Our highly trained team is now fully equipped and qualified to handle these technical rescues, ensuring that we can respond effectively and confidently to any situation that threatens the safety of our community.

Our UAS Team: Enhancing Emergency Response with Advanced Technology

In 2019, we recognized the potential of emerging technology to significantly enhance our emergency response capabilities and established our Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program. Equipped with advanced drones, our UAS Team has become an invaluable asset in both routine incidents and specialized training scenarios. With 17 FAA-certified pilots, each trained and proficient in operating these drones, we’ve been able to extend our reach and effectiveness in critical situations.

Our UAS Team not only serves as a resource for Forsyth County but is also frequently called upon by surrounding counties to assist in various emergencies. We deploy our drones during structure fires, searches for missing boaters, damage assessments, and pre-incident planning, among many other applications. This technology allows us to gain crucial insights and improve our response efforts, ultimately enhancing the safety and well-being of our community.

For more information or inquiries about our UAS capabilities, please contact Assistant Chief David Kivett at davidk@lewisvillefire.com.

Our Water Rescue Team: Protecting Our Community’s Waterways

With the Yadkin River flowing along our western border and several large creeks and ponds within the Lewisville Fire District, we recognized the need for a specialized team to handle the unique challenges of water rescues. Our Water Rescue Team was established to address these specific hazards, with members receiving extensive training to ensure they are fully equipped to perform rescues in and around these bodies of water.

Our team is the primary responder for all water rescue calls within the Town of Lewisville and Forsyth County, and we are proud to serve as a vital resource for the State of North Carolina. In addition to local responsibilities, our team is often called upon to respond to natural disasters across the state. We have been deployed to various locations for both training and emergency incidents, including during major hurricanes such as Matthew (2016), Florence (2018), Michael (2018), Dorian (2019), Isaias (2020), and Ian (2022).

Through our specialized training and commitment to excellence, our Water Rescue Team is prepared to protect and serve our community, no matter the conditions.

Wildland-Urban Interface: Bridging the Gap Between Nature and Community Safety

In Lewisville, the intersection of natural landscapes and residential areas presents unique challenges that demand specialized expertise. The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is where our community’s homes and businesses meet wildland areas, such as forests, grasslands, and open fields. Recognizing the potential risks posed by wildfires in these zones, we established a team trained specifically to address these threats and protect our community.

Our WUI team is equipped to handle fires that spread rapidly through natural vegetation and threaten nearby structures. This requires a deep understanding of fire behavior in wildland environments, as well as the ability to implement strategies that mitigate the risk to life and property. Our team is not only trained in firefighting techniques but also in prevention, working to reduce the potential for wildfires through community education and proactive measures.

By bridging the gap between the wildlands and our urban spaces, our WUI team plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and resilience of our community. Their expertise ensures that we are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any fire threat that emerges in these vulnerable areas.

216 Lewisville Clemmons Rd
Lewisville, NC 27023
(336) 945-5983

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