Cleveland-area firefighters take their skills global in international rescue challenge

CLEVELAND — When someone’s life hangs in the balance, every second, every skill, and every decision matters. For a group of Cleveland-area firefighters who also participate in technical rescues, being prepared doesn’t stop at the city limits. This year, that commitment took them thousands of miles from home to compete on an international rescue stage in Chile.

To perform a successful rescue, it takes skill, preparation, and dedication. What takes Cleveland’s rescue team to the next level isn’t just the work they do here at home; it’s the work they recently took on in Chile.

“It was a unique opportunity where we can use this as training for what we do on our job with Cleveland, as well as a unique opportunity to kind of see the world and better ourselves,” said Andy Hartnett, a Cleveland