DeKalb Swift Water Rescue Saves First Life Since Formation

The DeKalb swift water Rescue Task Force saw its first real action last week since forming last year.

Captain Dusty Johnson said crews responded when swift water swept a vehicle off the road. Johnson said an older man attempted to drive through Alexandria to Dismal Road while covered by water.

“I was very pleased how they performed,” Johnson said. “We just had a training session the Saturday before it happened, so we were familiar with out drills that we performed.”

Johnson said crew members formed a human wedge to cross the water. Johnson said the man was then carried to safety from his truck with minor injuries.

“We learned safer ways to get to somebody,” Johnson said. “How to keep ourselves safe and the victim safer. All around, it is just a lot safer the techniques we used that we learned from class.”

Johnson said putting the training to use was a good feeling especially since a life was saved. Johnson said the experience shows that the task force was a need after the county commission funded the training.

“Our commission supported us,” Johnson said. “The Smithville Rescue Squad also the Smithville Fire Department has members on this team. DeKalb County Fire Department has members on this team and so does Alexandria Fire Department. It’s important for you to have several perform this duty. Everyone has different jobs, and the higher number you have is the better so when the call comes in you have enough to do these drills.”