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Nik Wallenda Walks Across Niagara Falls

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Rescue crews train for rescue on wire

Updated: Friday, 15 Jun 2012, 3:01 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 15 Jun 2012, 3:01 PM EDT

Ed Drantch
Posted by: Eli George

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - Rescue crews have been preparing for Nik Wallenda's walk for more than a month, ready to reach the daredevil on the wire should the unthinkable happen.

Brandon Fife is a rescuer from Niagara Falls, Ontario - and this is a whole new experience for him. He's wearing a full body harness and hooked to the wire, ready to zip in and rescue Wallenda should something go awry.

"Stay calm, and obviously rely on the training and work through it at a safe pace and I'm sure everyone will come out okay," Fife said confidently.

A 15-pound device used to attach a rescuer to the wire costs $3,500. It'll be used in case of an emergency.

State Parks Police Lt. Patrick Moriarty told News 4, rescues at the Falls are second nature. But this one presents a new level of difficulty.

"Well obviously we've never had a cable that went across the Horseshoe Falls. We've never had anyone stuck in that predicament. This is different, but it's doable," he assured.

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