OSWEGO, NY – At approximately 1:48 p.m. on Monday, two members of the Oswego Fire Department suffered minor injuries during a training exercise on the Oswego River.
First Assistant Fire Chief Donald Dowd and Captain Peter Coffey were operating the fire department’s jet sled ”Beau” in the area of the Varick Street Hydro-Electric Plant when Captain Coffey, the operator of the boat, while transversing the river, struck a steel pole sideswiping off that pole forcing him to strike a second pole, according to a statement from the department.
The boat sustained minor damage and was removed for the water for examination.
Both firefighters were treated and released from Oswego Hospital.
The incident is still under investigation.
“We are fortunate to report that injuries to both firefighters were minor and this was done during a training exercise. In order to realistically train in this business, often times there are dangers. Both men are very experienced operators of our jet sled, having operated it for many years. Due to the recent heavy rainfall, the river level is high and the training sessions are to refamiliarize our people to the area and conditions. Both were also wearing personal floatation devices at the time of the incident,” said Chief Jeffrey McCrobie.
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