Department of Public Safety officials say due to an increase in water rescues, they've started rescue training for select troopers.
"We've had flooding on I-10, we've had flooding on I-17. Some places where we have had troopers that have been put in positions that they weren't trained or equipped for," said Russ Dodge with DPS.
To fix that problem, Dodge and others started training troopers in swift water rescue techniques along the banks of the Salt River.
Dodge says that so far, 25 troopers have received special training.
"The extra training was spurred by recent storms and the potential for flood related problems. We wanted to try and get ahead of the power curve," said Dodge.
Officials say the newly trained crews will be responsible for responding to and aiding other emergency crews during rescues.
More trainings are planned for later in the year.
