Butler has been on the police dive team since 1999, and he helped to organize tryouts for new members recently. An impressive number of potential scuba divers went through a battery of challenging underwater tests.
“The Sheriff’s Office is committed to setting high standards and providing exceptional training,” said Butler. “Getting this support from the district is great. It gives us the chance to get used to performing difficult activities in calm, clear water, so we are better prepared when faced with those tasks in more dangerous locations.”
The dive team is called upon for evidence recovery and often assists the fire department with water rescues. They occasionally train with the Orleans County team, and Butler hopes to expand collaboration with sheriff’s offices in Monroe and Erie.