#FAIRFIELD, CT–(December 7, 2015 Press Release)   In the early days of December a dozen Fairfield Fire Officers and Firefighters braved the frigid waters of Ash Creek and the South Benson Marina to participate in a Water Rescue Technician program developing their skills in using the department-issued wetsuits and Rapid Deployment Craft to save civilians throughout the year. Lieutenants Bill Tuttle and Phil Higgins had developed the program following extensive training in Maine, Vermont and Virginia, and the Fairfield Fire Department utilized their subject matter expertise to nearly double the number of on-duty personnel trained to the level of Water Rescue Technician. “By adding these Technicians we’ve greatly enhanced the safety of our citizens in this waterfront community,” said Tuttle; “the fact that they gave their personal time to participate in this intensive program is another indication of their commitment to the Fairfield Fire Department and the people we protect.” Assistant Chief George Gomola, Lieutenants Pat Barry, Jeff Edmondson and Jay Swindon, and Firefighters Jordan Charney, Pete Krajscik, Finn MacDaniel, David Mitkwoski, Tom Rubenstein, Frank Zwierlein all participated in the class last Thursday and today.