The Geary County Sheriff’s Department and Junction City Fire Department have taken the initial steps to building a joint Public Service Dive Rescue and Recovery team.

According to a news release from Sheriff Daniel Jackson there was a SCUBA orientation assessment of prospective members of the team from both departments. That training will continue Thursday evening with another group of prospective members from both departments. After that assessment the potential team members will complete a swim assessment and then the most qualified candidates will be selected to be members of the team.

At that point those who are selected will obtain certifications in Open water and Advanced Open water diving followed by certifications as Public Safety Dive Rescue and Recovery divers.

The training and assessments conducted this week was provided by Jeff and Anita Freeborn of Flint Hills Scuba.