Photos

Members of the Lutsen Volunteer Fire Department participated in ski lift rescue training on Tuesday, June 29. Although not required to have this training, Lutsen Fire Chief Paul Goettl said his department felt it was important to be able to assist the ski patrol if necessary in an emergency. Above: Firefighters work in teams of three. Steve Duclos is “on belay” and James Coleman is his backup as they lower the “stranded” person to the ground. Another team member, a “communicator,” keeps talking to the person to help him stay calm. Right: Ski Hill Co-Owner Tom Rider is lowered to the ground during the training. Larry McNealy is the “communicator,” while Louise Abelon is on belay with ski instructor Paul Nordlund as backup.