ASHLAND, Ky. - No emergency, just a little practice.

The Ohio River at the Ashland Boat ramp became a makeshift classroom Wednesday for members of the Ashland, Ky., Fire Department rescue/recovery team.

The eight-member team

donned wet suits and

spent the morning in the Ohio River, practicing their individual skills as well as search patterns. Members also tried to locate, among other things, a 165-pound mannequin put into the water to simulate a drowning victim.

"We're trying to get a little experience and let people know we're here," senior Capt. Scott Penick said.

"We were at Greenbo (Lake State Resort Park) a couple of weeks ago. We want people and other agencies to know we're here. We don't want to have to do this, but if there is a call we can be there."

Penick said the rescue/recovery team has responded to five calls for assistance

throughout the region in the last two months.

The Russell, Ky., Fire Department provided its Zodiac boat to the drill.