Montgomery Launches Swift Water Rescue Program to Strengthen Flood Emergency Response

Photo caption: Left to Right – Officer Sean Devlin, Sergeant Adam Verducci (Montgomery OEM Coordinator), Detective Tom Connell, Detective Jesse Peterson, Officer Delio Coutinho, Officer Chris Parlow.

The Montgomery Township Police Department, in partnership with the Montgomery Office of Emergency Management, has launched a new Swift Water Rescue Program designed to improve the township’s ability to respond to flooding and water-related emergencies.

The program provides specialized training and equipment to Montgomery police officers who may be called upon to operate in hazardous flood or swift-water conditions. According to the department, multiple officers have completed technical- and operations-level swift water rescue training.

Officers assigned to the program have also been outfitted with industry-standard swift water rescue gear to improve safety and effectiveness during emergency responses.

A central part of the program is Montgomery’s rescue vehicle, a specialized unit capable of operating in up to three feet of moving water. Police officials said the vehicle will allow first responders to reach areas that may otherwise be inaccessible during flooding, helping reduce response times when residents or visitors need assistance.

“This program marks a major step forward in our ability to protect and serve the Montgomery community and its visitors,” Police Chief Silvio Bet said. “With increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and flooding risks, having trained swift water rescue officers is not just beneficial — it’s essential.”

Bet said the program reflects the department’s responsibility to ensure officers are properly trained and equipped for emergency conditions.

“The launch of our Swift Water Rescue Program represents a critical advancement in how we prepare for and respond to emergencies in Montgomery,” Bet said. “It is our responsibility to ensure our officers are equipped, trained, and ready to act. This program not only enhances our operational capabilities, but it reinforces our commitment to protecting every member of our community — no matter the conditions.”

The department said the program highlights the township’s focus on proactive emergency management and interagency collaboration. By combining training, equipment and specialized response capabilities, the Police Department and OEM said they are better positioned to safeguard the community during critical incidents involving flooding or moving water.

Photo Credit: Montgomery Township Police Department