On the afternoon of January 14th, members of the department's C Platoon took some time to do refresher training on ice rescue techniques. The crew proceeded to Millcreek Park where they found that the pond by the hill was solid enough for training purposes. Upon arrival at the pond, Lieutenant Friddell along with Firefighters Costello and C. Clark put on the specially designed ice rescue suits. The suits are a one piece, waterproof suit that protects rescuers from the effects of hypothermia when conducting an ice rescue. They often referred to as "Gumby Suits" since they resemble the once famous cartoon character.

Lt. Friddell made his way onto the ice with a chain saw and long hook to cut a hole in the ice. He was connected to a safety line while he was cutting the ice. On shore, Firefighter D. O'Donnell reviewed techniques for reaching victims who have fallen into the ice, the use of the rescue sled, connecting the rescuer to a safety line, and the removal of the victim and rescuer once they are connected to the rescue sled. Once the review was completed and the hole was cut, Firefighter Costello made his way into the hole as the first "victim".

Captain Gardner, Lieutenant Friddell, and Firefighters Costello and Clark all took turns being victims and rescuers. Firefighters O'Donnell and Robertson stayed on shore to assist with pulling the safety lines once each evolution was completed by the crew. After the training was completed, the crew returned to fire headquarters to thoroughly clean and dry all of the ice rescue equipment.