The Sheriff's Office maintains a Dive Team, which has been in existence since 1979. The team is a cooperative effort with Stearns County. Both departments coordinate efforts and personnel when a dive is needed in either county.

This cooperative effort is important, as the Mississippi River provides the border between the two counties. The river also is the location for many interesting training and dive situations. In addition to actual dive training and dive call-outs, the Dive Team members cross-train with area fire departments. The Dive Team members make themselves available to meet with the firefighters, who are likely to be the first responders to all water-related accidents. The divers and firefighters discuss potential water-related calls in the fire departments' specific call area. An assessment of available equipment is completed, and a simulated water accident is acted out. The Dive Team members place a life-size "dummy" in a lake or river. The fire departments' chief or training personnel then conduct a drill, calling for the firefighters to complete the victim recovery. The fire chiefs assign their personnel to conduct witness interviews and to complete search techniques until the dummy is located. The Dive Team then works with the firefighters to discuss the Dive Team's role if divers would be needed.

This multi-department training has always provided for thought-provoking discussion between both the Sheriff's Office and firefighters. The firefighters have rated this training as a valuable experience. The ultimate goal is to provide a quick, organized response by sheriff and fire personnel in the unfortunate even of an actual water-related accident. The Dive Team will continue to train for both open water and ice diving situations.