The Erie County Sheriff’s Office Scuba Team has proudly served Erie County since 1967. The volunteer team has responded to more than 100 search-and-rescue calls.
Team members are on-call 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. They respond to any type of water-related accident or emergency. In addition, divers often provide their services to various police agencies in the search for evidence and stolen property. Over the past 20 years, divers have recovered numerous weapons and vehicles, as well as safes, jewelry and drugs, which have assisted law enforcement agencies in investigating and clearing cases.
Divers who join the Scuba Team are required to own all necessary scuba gear, have specific diving certifications and possess a high level of diving experience. All team members have been trained and have the experience to dive in all conditions, including limited visibility, night diving, current and boat diving, and diving under the ice. The team’s “first responders” carry all necessary equipment with them at all times so that they can immediately respond to a call. The team’s van acts as a staging area during rescue calls and houses much of the team’s specialty equipment, including an inflatable boat and motor and underwater metal detectors.
Members of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Scuba Team exhibit a great deal of pride for the office they represent as well as the services that they provide.