Four members of the locally based search and rescue dive team recently completed specialist training.

The public is invited to meet some of those divers, and other members of Newtown Underwater Search And Rescue (NUSAR), and learn about the team and its mission, during a meet-and-greet event this weekend.

NUSAR team members Richard Wilford, Dawn Singer, Matt Rownin, and Vanessa Clark completed their Dive Rescue 1 Specialist (DR-1) training in May.

DR-1 is a comprehensive three-day training program for public safety divers to improve response to water-based emergency incidents. The training program is conducted by Dive Rescue International, and the most recent program was hosted by the Fairfield Fire Department Dive Team.

The program includes classroom sessions, pool skills, and open water scenarios. Training topics include initial scene evaluation, search and rescue patterns, skills for recovery, evidence gathering, and debriefing afterward.

DR-1 training improves the function of divers and surface support members of participating dive rescue teams.

To date, 12 current members of NUSAR, including the four line officers — Chief Mike McCarthy, Assistant Chief Dr Michael Cassetta, Captain Connor Rieve, and Lieutenant Hans Williams — have completed this important training, which reinforces the skills necessary for NUSAR to function safely and efficiently.

Meet-And-Greet, Sunday

NUSAR will host a public event this weekend.

On Sunday, June 13, between noon and 2 pm, the public is invited to meet members of the local dive team, who will be in the Newtown Shopping Center plaza, in front of Big Y World Class Market, 6 Queen Street.

The team will have its truck and boat on site, and members will be on hand to talk about the team’s mission, training, and background, and answer questions.

Call 203-426-4390 or visit nusar.org for more information.