They Go To Disasters [VIDEO]

They have responded to hurricane- and tornado-ravaged towns and cities nationwide.

They were the first task force to arrive in New York City after 9/11.

On Thursday the Mass Task Force's urban search and rescue team was in their second day of training on water rescues in Winthrop.

Their training just happened to coincide with an impending hurricane.

At the training scene, many members, including Bob Better of Swampscott, a deputy chief for the Chelsea Department, awaited calls from their home departments in case they were needed for hurricane preparations.

Even if the hurricane churns clear of New England, if it hits land and leaves destruction in its path, there's a good chance the force will be activated by the federal government.

Ed Seligman, a firefighter with the , is the logistics person on the Mass Task Force.

The 30 Task Force members at the water rescue training site were running, swimming, pulling, hauling and practicing anchoring lines and arranging pulleys for water rescues..

They replicated a water rescue earlier on Thursday, plucking a victim from moving water.

They used the incoming tide, gusty winds and live fire hoses to stir up the saltwater by the pier.

Their members are an all-star team of Type-A personalities who know how to put their egos aside and work as a team, Better said.

They come from departments throughout the state and New England members include fire chief's, such as New Bedford's chief, Michael Gomes, captains, deputy chiefs and firefighter.

They all bring something to the table, including expertise and a willingness to learn new skills.

Practice and new methods that save steps can save time and lives, Better said.

The timing was right to be working on water skills.

"We may be using some of these skills before the storm (Irene) leaves," Better said.