Hello from Iraq (Iraqi River Patrol)

[IPA_C_Fields]

My name is Carl Fields and I am an International Police Advisor working in Iraq. Recently I met the team leader for the Iraqi River Patrol in Baghdad. His name is Steve Williams. He is also an IPA and he has been assigned to lead the team of fellow IPA's in training of this critical and unique unit. Through Steve I learned that the Iraqi River Patrol (IRP) is still in need of complete diving gear. I googled the name Iraqi River Police and followed an article to this website. I am also a PADI Certified Rescue Diver and I am close to making my DiveMaster Certification.

As Steve and I talked about the IRP, I became very interested and very concerned about the safety and well being of the IRP divers. Steve had told me that most of the equipment is used and almost to the point of being worn out. Steve has been the teeam leader for almost 9 months now and he is working very hard at trying to get the gear needed for this dive team. He is using the standard method of requesting gear through the chain of command and also donations. I promised him that I would also help, because I remember quite well what it felt like to dive the first time (even though the IRP do not dive for pleasure).

Steve's email is sewilliams1952@yahoo.com I know he would be glad to hear from any of you about how we (as fellow divers) can assist him in outfitting this team with the correct gear needed for salvage and rescue operations.

Steve is a veteran of the US Navy dive team and has put forth a tremendous amount of time and sacrific for this team, lets help him out by assisting him in whatever means is necessary.

Thank you for reading this post,

IPA Carl Fields
COB Speicher
Tikrit, Iraq.

[Adrian Kelland]

Carl,

I'd have a read of this Iraq Police Diving Team

Adrian

[IPA_C_Fields]

Adrian,

Thank you for the help. I did not see that post. I only followed the link from Google.

I thank each and every member here at YD for putting forth the time and effort to assist this dive team in getting the equipment needed for their continued sucess.

Carl

[Stesh]

And welcome Carl

[Adrian Kelland]

Originally Posted by IPA_C_Fields

Adrian,

Thank you for the help. I did not see that post. I only followed the link from Google.

I thank each and every member here at YD for putting forth the time and effort to assist this dive team in getting the equipment needed for their continued sucess.

Carl

Your welcome.

I hope you can find time to report any progress with the group.

Adrian

[Buoyant Babe]

Hello and welcome to YD! Look forward to any update.

Helen xxx

[IPA_C_Fields]

I will certainly try to keep everyone here informed of the progress of this remarkable unit.

thanks again......