The Newton Fire Department has worked to prepare for rescues in icy and frigid water conditions. Newton Assistant Fire Chief Rex Heisdorffer says  the department conducted specialized training last week that focused on the techniques, equipment ,and teamwork required to rescue individuals who have fallen through ice or are otherwise trapped in frozen water environments.

Heisdorffer says key elements of that training include rescue team coordination and training, understanding ice formation, types of ice, and factors affecting its strength, proper use of ice rescue equipment, and victim care. Heisdorffer adds that the strength of ice can be impacted by temperature, snow cover, and water currents..

The training was conducted at Cardinal Pond, a 2.5 acre fishable pond in the new Arbor Estates subdivision in northeast Newton.