Firefighters practice Space Needle rescues

Tue., July 13, 2004

Associated Press

SEATTLE – Select firefighters from around the Seattle area had a view that was tough to beat on Monday.

They were sharpening their skills for high angle technical rescues by dangling 520 feet in the air, working off the Space Needle observation deck.

Firefighters practiced rescue skills that would be needed if a Needle maintenance worker fell or was injured while working on the observation deck’s outer halo, fire officials said.

The workers all wear safety harnesses to keep them from hitting the ground, but if they fall, someone’s got to go get them.

“It’s great. You want to know that the firemen have such expertise and the precautions that they take, it’s incredible,” said Steve Geiger, a halo worker at the Needle.

No halo worker has ever been injured while working on the Space Needle, officials said.

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Firefighters practice Space Needle rescues

Jesse Tinsley

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