PWC Fire and Rescue Swift Water Rescue Team searches/assists in wake of Hurricane Helene

The Prince William County Fire and Rescue Swift Water Rescue Team continues to assist victims of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia near the North Carolina border.

Yesterday, Sept. 27, 2024 the team was working in and around the Town of Damascus. The team was responsible for five (5) rescues and assisted in other searches. The team spent last night at the Bristol Fire Training Center.

Today, the team is back tat Chestnut Mountain Road area of Damascus to continue searches for missing people and surveying the devastation. The on-scene commander, Battalion Chief Jonathan Moore, reports the team is doing well and staying focused on their mission.

Previously Released - September 27, 2024

After staging in Norton, Virginia overnight, the Prince William County Swift Water Rescue Team was reassigned to Washington County near the border with North Carolina. They were quickly dispatched to the Town of Damascus to assist other rescue teams.  The area sustained historical rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Prince William County Fire and Rescue System Chief Tom LaBelle commented, “I am extremely proud of the team in their efforts to support citizens throughout the Commonwealth”.

PWC Fire and Rescue reported on Sept. 25 that its Swift Water Rescue Team was activated by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)  for deployment as a VDEM resource to Norton, Virginia ahead of Hurricane Helene.  The Team is a FEMA Type 3 team consisting of seven people - six Swift Water Technicians/Swift Water Boat Operators and a Battalion Chief to provide command level oversight and to coordinate with VDEM staff and local jurisdictional fire, rescue, law enforcement and governmental officials. The team is equipped and trained to perform water rescues in all types of situations including hurricane flood waters.