By Caroline Fassett | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

South Branch Emergency Services, a rescue squad that serves a number of communities throughout Hunterdon County, held a rescue drill at the Round Valley Recreation Area in Clinton Township on Sunday morning.

The training involved both the ground and water units rescuing three hikers in distress as well as victims of an overturned boat in the water. The victim actors were members of the squad.

A total of 32 first responders operated two boats, three ambulances, and a rescue truck throughout the successful drill, which lasted about two and a half hours.

South Branch Emergency Services serves the Town of Clinton, Clinton Township, Lebanon Borough, High Bridge Borough and portions of Franklin Township, Bethlehem Township, and Union Township.

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Caroline Fassett may be reached at [email protected].

​Rich Maxwell | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
First Responder Hone their Skills with a Land/Water Rescue Drill
The training involved first responders rescuing victim actors in distress as well as victims of an overturned boat in the water.

​On Wednesday, May 12, at the beginning of the regular meeting of the Clinton Township Mayor and Council a special Proclamation was awarded to three civilians and four members of the South Branch Emergency Services for a water rescue that occurred on Jan. 31 on the Round Valley Reservoir.

The council meeting was held online using the Zoom platform. While Council Members and the public at large watched on Zoom, Mayor Brian Mullay read the Proclamation and describe the events that took place on Jan. 31 to the award recipients who had gathered at the South Branch Emergency Services building in Clinton.


A small gathering of friends and fellow squad members also looked on as Hunter Cryan, Michael Mosier, Andrzej Wilk, Deputy Chief Chris Miller, FF/Rescue Tech Chip Milcarek, Rescue Lt. Walter Dorf, FF/Rescue Tech Balley Pyle were bestowed the honor virtually.

Hunter Cryan, Michael Mosier and Andrzej Wilk are the civilians who alerted 911 to the happenings that day. While Miller, Milcarek, Dorf, and Pyle made up the water rescue crew that day.

It was noted, “The combined efforts and swift actions of the bystanders onshore, the BLS/ALS crews who treated the patients, and the SBES Water Rescue Team, truly made a difference in the fortunate outcome of this water rescue on January 30th.”