Swift Water Rescue
The Bedford Fire Department has operated and performed swift water rescues since the mid-1990s. Swift-water rescue is a subset of technical rescue, and deals with white water river conditions. Due to the added pressure of moving water, swift water rescue involves the use of specially trained personnel, ropes, and mechanical advantage systems. These are often much more robust than those used in standard rope rescue.
Personnel completes their annual swift water rescue training at Tarrant County College Fire Service Training Center to ensure prompt and safe responses.
Bedford Fire’s boat team participates in quarterly moving water training, and is able to provide mutual aid to surrounding cities and counties in need of assistance.
NEFDA Hazardous Materials Response Team
A few select highly-trained Bedford firefighters are members of the Northeast Fire Department Association Hazardous Materials Response Team. The NEFDA's primary roles include responding to spills and releases of hazardous chemicals, hazardous materials cleanup, and identify meth labs using advanced instrumentation while working in conjunction with police.