On September 1, 2024, at 3:13PM the city of Troy‘s Fire Department was dispatched to 45 Linden Avenue the Poestenkill Gorge for a reported echo response for a drowning. Engine two, engine six, engine three, the rescue squad, truck two, medic four and the battalion chief was dispatched to the scene. The caller reported to the dispatcher that the subject that had drowned was pulled from the water and CPR was in progress. Firefighters and police quickly arrived on scene and made their way down the steep hill to the gorge area. Firefighters deployed into the water across the waterfall to the other side where the subject was on the shoreline. Firefighters picked up conducting CPR on the subject and notified the dispatcher that they were working a full arrest.

Additional resources arrived on scene and began to offload their equipment which included a Stokes basket, Lucas device, a monitor and defibrillator, rope rescue equipment for high angle and low angle and a utility kit. With over 100 pounds of gear and equipment firefighters quickly began to descend down the hill to meet up with their other firefighters and begin the grueling task of removing the individual from the restricted area. As firefighters continued to work on scene there was a issue with a language barrier. Firefighters crossed the treacherous rocks and water area and got to the other side and began to load the individual onto the Stokes with the Lucas CPR device working the individual. One firefighter raced back up to the rig to grab additional equipment and made his way down to the victim again.

Command notified the dispatcher to contact the hospital that they are coming in with a drowning victim and CPR is in progress. Police officers on scene assisted the fire department and began to also collect information on witnesses of the incident. Firefighters power housed up the hill in a large group effort carrying the victim in the Stokes basket to the top to a waiting medic rig. Firefighters loaded the individual into the medic rig and took off for Samaritan Hospital. Exhausted police officers from the steep climb of the gorge took off their ballistic vest and got a drink of water. Firefighters on scene rested for a few moments and began to put their equipment away. After all of the equipment was accounted for Troy firefighters went back into service and police took over the investigation portion of the incident.

Troy Police on scene questioned numerous individuals that were down in the area where the incident occurred and up in the parking lot area. After the preliminary investigation into the incident Troy Police were able to determine the 26-year-old male victim was visiting the park with his family members and friends. The victim was swimming in the prohibited area which when he experienced trouble swimming a bystander noticed a victim in distress and attempted to rescue him from the water. At this point in the investigation Troy Police stated there is no indications of any criminal activity existing and the incident is considered an accidental drowning.

The Poestenkill Gorge is a popular tourist destination and for city residence looking to cool off during the hot summer days and holidays. The Gorge has some of the most beautiful sites in the city, but is one of the most dangerous areas also. Troy Police stated that this tragedy underscores the dangers associated with the prohibited areas of the gorge park and remind visitors when they are at the park to remain in the authorized areas for their safety.

The Troy Fire Department is home to some of Rensselaer County’s best-trained firefighters, specializing in high-angle and low-angle rescue operations. This expertise is essential due to the city’s unique hybrid environment, which presents challenging terrain such as steep drop-offs, large descent areas, and sudden transitions from low-angle to vertical rescues. The department’s rigorous training prepares them for these dangerous situations, and their dedication has led to numerous successful rescues. Residents of Troy can take comfort in knowing they have a highly skilled and well-prepared fire department to protect them. The Troy Fire Department is home to some of Rensselaer County’s best-trained firefighters, specializing in high-angle and low-angle rescue operations. This expertise is essential due to the city’s unique hybrid environment, which presents challenging terrain such as steep drop-offs, large descent areas, and sudden transitions from low-angle to vertical rescues. The department’s rigorous training prepares them for these dangerous situations, and their dedication has led to numerous successful rescues. Residents of Troy can take comfort in knowing they have a highly skilled and well-prepared fire department to protect them.