Have you ever wondered if you were trapped in a combine, stuck inside a grain bin or confined spaces who would be able to rescue you? About two years ago an amazing group of Firefighters formed a team just for those who find themselves in a bind! Olivia Area Technical Rescue Team is here to assist your local fire departments in high risk situations that require technical training. The team is a division of the Olivia Fire Department but is made up of 17 men from the Olivia, Danube, Bird Island, Sacred Heart, & Hector Fire Departments. The Olivia Area Technical Rescue Team members are the only team in Southwest Minnesota trained in High Angle Rope & Confined Space Rescue, therefore covering 1,000s of square miles.
1st Rescue of the Year, in Hector

Long time MVTV Wireless customer Calvin Aarons was working on getting his combine ready for harvest just like every other year. As he was finishing up inside the hopper his hip dislocated and he was unable to get out. The other men working in the shop were not able to assist so they called 911.

The Hector Fire Department & Ambulance immediately requested the assistance of the Olivia Area Technical Rescue Team. The team arrived on scene and quickly started working on rigging up a pulley system. Once everything was in place the paramedics gave Aarons a shot to put him out to help ease the pain. “That was the last thing I remember, and then I went on a short trip”, Aarons stated. According to the team once he was a sleep and everything was in place they were then able to safely remove him from the hopper. Aarons added, “I am very grateful for this team of dedicated men that are willing to take time to help those in situations like mine.” Aarons is almost fully recovered and getting ready for harvest.
Tower Rescue Training Complete
I was invited to stop by a training session hosted by MVTV Wireless on August 24th, 2020 to witness the Olivia Area Technical Rescue Team as they safely rescue someone who is hurt and stuck on a tower. MVTV’s Tower Crew assisted the team every step of the way, to make sure everyone climbing the tower stayed safe. During the visit, Clint Olson (commander) and Zach Chapman (assistant commander) took time to make a few comments on the Olivia Area Technical Rescue Team. Olson stated, “with the training today it will help broaden our capabilities to assist and support companies like MVTV Wireless.” Check out the videos of the team in action as they train on how to safely rescue Steve (the dummy) from 40 feet up a tower.
Volunteer or Donate
If you have a passion of helping those in need and enjoy the adrenaline rush you are in luck! The team is looking to add new members that have firefighter I and firefighter II certification. Chapman explained, “we are looking for those who have a high level of participation and dedication as we do specialized training once a month.”
Would you like to help this great organization but joining the team is not for you? Olivia Area Technical Rescue Team would be greatly appreciated of any donations… monetary, equipment and other supply items. To join the team or donate, check out their Facebook page… OliviaAreaTechnicalRescueTeam
MVTV Wireless is a proud sponsor and supporter of the Olivia Area Technical Rescue Team, you never know when you may be the one that needs to be rescued!
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