In a mock scenario, fire fighters work fast to remove patients after a cargo van crashed onto a car. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Public safety

WATCH: PA fire fighters receive crash course in heavy vehicle rescues

May 12, 2025 | 5:11 PM

The junkyard at Lakeland Towing provided a training ground on Monday for a dozen members of the Prince Albert Fire Department.

Under the tutelage of Mike Tesarski, lead instructor for Special Operations Consultant Canada, the fire fighters who are training on their days off learned the ins and outs of heavy vehicle rescues. Multiple vehicles were provided for the exercise including a cargo van and a school bus by Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division, Lakeland Towing and the city impound.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Just in case some extra supports are needed, Lakeland Towing was on standby and ready to help. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The training, which began last week with trench rescue, has also incorporated classroom work and will wrap up on Tuesday with some scenarios at the rail yard involving actual rail cars.

In addition to his full time work as a firefighter, Tesarski also works part-time in Toronto with the air ambulance. While teaching and attending courses across the United States, he has also worked with numerous geo-technical engineers and United States rescue services.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social