MILFORD -- Years after going their separate ways, the police and fire department dive teams are taking the plunge again, joining forces to hold training sessions that will strengthen their effectiveness.

The joint ventures have already resulted in better communication between both agencies and cost-savings for taxpayers through the consolidation of scuba gear purchases, city officials said.

"We are getting them used to training together so that if there is a serious incident both teams can work well with each other," said police Capt. Gerald Butler Tuesday.

At an exercise in a pond along Beaver Brook Monday, police and firefighters divers went over voice and hand signals while practicing important safety techniques, said Fire Capt. Harold Streit, a veteran diver.

The chemistry between both teams has been solid since the joint sessions started six months ago, he said. Although the teams had worked together during emergencies, they have rarely met up to revisit diving procedures during the past six years, he said.

"We are working together to refamiliarize each other with our operations. We have different goals, but we share the same cause," Streit said, adding firefighters typically dive to rescue people while a police officer may dive to collect evidence.

Police Chief Keith Mello and Fire Chief Louis LaVecchia have been credited with making the sessions possible. The chiefs have a good working relationship and believe in the importance of training, officials said.

Diving safety gained new importance in Milford following a June 1997 accident in which Detective Peter Ellsworth was nearly killed during an exercise on Long Island Sound. An investigation into the accident led to improvements in the Police department's diving unit, including the use of wireless communication equipment and more sophisticated scuba gear.

Purchasing Director Larry Tomasco commended the officials for developing their diving budgets together. "It has to save money in the long run. I am happy to hear about it," Tomasco said. The only time when city departments share purchases is for office supplies, computers and maintenance products, he said.

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said he's encouraged by the cooperation between LaVecchia and Mello.

"We have two outstanding public safety agencies in the police and fire departments. They are serving the public well through coordinating their training together," he said.