By KAREN MIKOLS

Salina Journal

The floods in May of 2007 prompted the Salina Fire Department to re-evaluate its ability to conduct water rescues.

Salina city commissioners took a step toward being better prepared for water rescue during Monday afternoon's meeting. The commission approved 4-1 the purchase of a Zodiac Rescue Boat. Commissioner Abner Perney voted against the measure.

"You don't get floods every day," City Manager Jason Gage said. "It doesn't happen very often, but if we have it, how important is it to be able to respond?

"We don't have the equipment for rapid water rescue."

During the study session prior to the meeting, the boats came up.

"We smashed an underpowered boat into a telephone pole with a boat full of people," Fire Chief Larry Mullkin said.

The city had to pay to repair the boat, but Mullkin did not know what the repair bill was.

"But it did work," Commissioner Abner Perney said.

"So we'll take people with no experience and put it in water and rescue people with no training," Mullkin said.

Commissioner Aaron Peck asked if the boat approved during the meeting would be sufficient for 95 percent of the situations in Salina.

"I think it would," Mullkin said. "If you want to go to the next level, the air boat will do that."

Monday's purchase of a inflatable raft and trailer for about $22,000 was phase one of what the fire department hopes will be two phases. The second phase would be to purchase a hard-shell boat capable of water and ice rescues.

"The majority of departments that get into water rescue have two craft," Hemphill said.

Perney pointed out the county purchased a boat the city could use.

"If we have another issue like May 2007, we would have to wait because they would have to use it," Hemphill said.

Perney said in his 28 years in Salina, last year was the first time for a major flood.

"This may be the only flood, but we're in the water every year," Hemphill said. "Last year we had eight who overloaded a boat in Lakewood Lake. We had to put people out in lifejackets to rescue them."

Hemphill also said it would be helpful for vehicle rescues from the river.

"In Oakdale park, you don't need a 40 horsepower boat," Perney said. "I think the recommendation is excessive."

n Reporter Karen Mikols can be reached at 822-1416 or by e-mail at kmikols@salina.com.

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