Firefighter David Cruz has been a firefighter with Cottleville Fire District for almost 16 years. Dave is highly respected for his expertise in technical rescue, especially in the water.  His training and certification level in SCUBA and water rescue is quite impressive. His certifications incude SCUBA instructor, Deep Diver, Rescue Diver, Wreck Diver, River Rescue, Swift Water Rescue and Swift Water Rescue Instructor, just to name a few. His love for the water dates back to his childhood years near Houston, TX where he grew up swimming in rivers, lakes and the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition to water rescue, Dave is certified in numerous other rescue operations including rappelling, cave rescue, ice rescue, hydraulic equipment rescue, advanced rope rescue, and motor vehicle crash rescue. As if all of that is not enough, Dave also holds certifications in fire service leadership, fire officer, terrorism response and fire service instructor.

Dave has two children, both of whom attend Francis Howell Central High School. In his spare time, Dave enjoys spending time with his children, SCUBA diving and instructing SCUBA and swift water rescue classes. Dave is currently working at Cottleville Station #3, located on Weldon Spring Rd. near Hwy 94.