LACONIA, New Hampshire (10 Aug 2005) -- A new study into the drowning of Laconia firefighter Mark Miller last year suggests many safety improvements that the department already has made. Fire Chief Ken Erickson said the department already has set up stricter procedures, including an order that all divers be tethered if they are diving beneath or anywhere near ice. Miller, the department's most experienced rescue diver, died in March 2004 during a training dive at Weirs Beach. Erickson said the department will probably never know know why Miller failed to surface and became trapped under the ice. The report, from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, also recommends the department designate backup divers, extra air tanks and medical equipment at any training dive. SOURCE - WHDH | 
