To the rescue, again

Roanoke’s first swift-water rescue teams were established in September 2004, and they wasted no time in making themselves useful.

They rescued 35 people on Sept. 28 when Tropical Depression Jeanne caused the Roanoke River to leave its banks.

“Now that’s what I call teamwork,” Jeremiah Bishop exclaimed that day after being plucked from a submerged backhoe on Reserve Avenue.

The swift-water teams have been a crucial part of Roanoke Fire-EMS ever since. They reminded Roanokers of their importance again on Wednesday, when they rescued 28 people, including 19 children, trapped by flash floods. All were ferried to high ground without injury.

Although a majority of those needing help this week were stranded in businesses, most of the rescue team’s calls involve motorists who try to drive through water-covered roads. It’s a bad idea. Those who want to shake the hands of these public servants are advised instead to stop by the station, preferably on a sunny day.

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