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 became injured 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 the rock face and became injured in the swimming area below. Responding to the scene were Engine 6, Engine 2, Rescue Squad, Truck 2, Medic 3, and the Battalion Chief.

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

As firefighters arrived on scene, firefighters 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, establishing operations at the bottom of the hill while additional crews continued farther into the area. Firefighters carefully traversed the rock face to reach the victim, who remained in the water. Firefighters 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 coverage remained available should another emergency occur elsewhere in the city as there was only two engine company's and one truck company still in service. At the top of the landing area of the gorge near the bottom, 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 toward a flatter area where extraction operations could begin. During these efforts, one firefighter sustained an injury but continued working to assist in removing the victim from the gorge. Firefighters then moved to a steep section of the hillside where the rope rescue system had been established. Firefighters connected into the system and, working within extremely confined conditions, began the arduous task of raising both the victim 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 the obstacles, firefighters successfully brought the victim 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 from 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 hill. The firefighter was evaluated and transported to the hospital for treatment of an ankle injury. The rescued victim was transported to Albany Medical Center in stable condition, thanks to the advanced life support measures provided by firefighters from 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 instead of entering the gorge.