TROY, NY – Members of the Troy Fire Department conducted a complex and manpower-intensive technical rescue on the afternoon of June 9, 2026, after an individual fell from a rock face and sustained injuries in the Poestenkill Gorge.

At approximately 3:24 p.m., the Troy Fire Department was dispatched to the gorge for a reported technical rescue after an individual fell from a rock face and became injured in the swimming area below. Responding units included Engine 6, Engine 2, Rescue Squad, Truck 2, Medic 3, and the Battalion Chief.

Police units were the first to arrive and descended the approximately 250-foot hillside leading into the gorge. Officers then continued down a steep cliff area where more than a half-dozen individuals were swimming on the 90-degree afternoon. Despite numerous “No Trespassing” signs posted throughout the area, the warnings are frequently ignored by visitors. Upon reaching the location of the fall, officers located the injured individual and advised dispatch that the victim remained in the water.

As firefighters arrived on scene, crews quickly began unloading a large cache of high-angle, low-angle, and water rescue equipment. The Poestenkill Gorge presents numerous technical rescue challenges, including steep terrain, cliff faces, and water hazards, requiring specialized equipment and training.

Firefighters began descending into the gorge and established operations at the bottom of the hillside while additional crews continued farther into the area. Firefighters carefully traversed the rock face to reach the victim, who remained in the water. Crews entered the water, made contact with the victim, and immediately began stabilization efforts.

Meanwhile, the Battalion Chief relocated additional city resources to headquarters to ensure emergency coverage remained available elsewhere in the city, as only two engine companies and one truck company remained in service. At a landing area near the bottom of the gorge, firefighters cleared brush and debris to establish a safe work area. Crews rapidly deployed a high-angle rope rescue system, securing equipment to multiple trees in the area. Additional firefighters descended into the gorge carrying a Stokes basket and supplemental rope rescue equipment.

Once the victim was secured inside the Stokes basket, firefighters carefully moved the patient to a flatter area where extraction operations could begin. During these efforts, one firefighter sustained an injury but continued working to assist with the rescue. Firefighters then moved to a steep section of the hillside where the rope rescue system had been established. Crews connected to the system and, working in extremely confined conditions, began the arduous task of raising both the patient and six firefighters up the hillside.

Due to the challenging terrain and limited space, crews were forced to reset the rope rescue system multiple times during the operation. Despite these obstacles, firefighters successfully brought the patient to the top of the gorge. Once above the rescue area, crews disconnected from the rope system and maneuvered around several large downed trees while carrying the patient up the remaining 250-foot hillside to a waiting ambulance.

Officers from the Troy Police Department assisted firefighters throughout the operation by helping carry rope rescue equipment, medical bags, and additional gear in and out of the gorge. The rescue effort required significant manpower, and police officers provided critical assistance as crews worked through the demanding operation.

Following the rescue, the Battalion Chief remained in the gorge to assist the injured firefighter to the top of the hillside. The firefighter was evaluated and transported to a hospital for treatment of an ankle injury. The patient was transported to Albany Medical Center in stable condition, thanks to the advanced life support measures provided by members of the Troy Fire Department.

The Troy Police Department and Troy Fire Department are reminding the public that the Poestenkill Gorge is an extremely dangerous area. Officials urge residents and visitors to utilize the City of Troy’s splash pads and public pools rather than entering the gorge.