The Special Operations Unit is comprised of 4 teams: Extrication; Cold Water Rescue; Rope Rescue and Firefighter Assist and Search Team (F.A.S.T.).  These teams meet and train on a regular basis to further enhance their skills which can make a difference between life and death of a victim.

The Extrication Team is called for extrication involving any type of accident primarily vehicles.  The training involves different methods of stabilization of the vehicle, and many different techniques for removing the glass from the vehicle as well as the roof, door(s), rolling dashboards, cutting break pedals, and if necessary cutting through the floor of a vehicle depending on the position of the vehicle.  They also train with special airbags to raise vehicles.  All of this is done to gain access to the patient(s).

The Cold Water Rescue Team is responsible for getting individuals out of water that may have fallen through the ice or perhaps may be in a vehicle that is in the water.  They  wear special cold water suits that enable them to be buoyant in the water and stay warm and dry while rescuing the victim(s).  Without proper training the rescuers can easily become victims. One option  for a rescue is to throw a rope to the victim if they are close enough to shore and also physically able to grab and hang onto the rope.  Another option is having a team of two proceed out on the ice with ropes to rescue the victim.  There is a back up team on shore ready to act in case the initial team runs into a situation where they may be in danger.

The Rope Rescue Team  is used for extricating victims that may have fallen while hiking, or possibly in a vehicle that has gone over an embankment.  They train using different methods of  getting themselves safely to the victim as well as any other personnel such as EMS.  They also train how to safely extricate the victim from the scene to safety and in some cases the victim is unable to offer any assistance.

The F.A.S.T. normally consists of a minimum of 5 firefighters – 1 person is in charge of the group of 2 teams of 2.  The main objective of the F.A.S.T. team is to do a rapid extrication of a downed firefighter in a structure.  There is one team assigned to go interior with a moments notice which involves taking heavy equipment with them to do the job properly.  They are trained to breach walls, floors and whatever else may be necessary to gain access to their victim.  The second team primarily surveys the exterior of the structure looking for possible other entrances or exits on the ground or with ladders.  They are also a back up for the initial team should they get into trouble.