The U.R.U. is called out at various times for the following, but not limited to body recovery, vehicle recovery, evidence collection, and assist the tactical team. They also respond to other jurisdictions when called upon.

The divers constantly train on underwater search and recovery techniques. These training sessions are in both controlled and open water.

In October, 2008, the Department unveiled a new boat that will enhance the response capability of the Department’s Underwater Recovery Unit to meet the needs of our community.  The fire and rescue boat was purchased with grant funds from special revenue through the Richland County Legislative Delegation.

The boat is equipped with a dive platform to deploy the Underwater Recovery Unit during search, rescue and recovery operations with two 8-foot doors that fold down electronically for dive operations and rescue transport. Sheriff Lott expresses the importance of this equipment to our community, because Lake Murray is one of our state’s most visited lakes, which covers seventy- eight square miles and has 649 miles of shoreline.

We must be prepared to respond in order to meet the needs of our citizens whether on land or water. The boat is equipped with a built-in pumping system that pumps 2,000 gallons of water per minute and is the only fire suppression boat in Richland County.

This unique boat is a 28’ Harbor Guard boat that is made out of Kevlar and fiberglass for durability and the boats’ propulsion has two inboard engines with jet drives without moving propellers for diver safety---it is also the pump for fire suppression which supplies a 2000 per square inch Akron bow mounted monitor.