Roanoke County Fire & Rescue has had to rely on other departments for some rescue calls.
Now, the county’s got some brand new equipment that will help them save lives across the Roanoke Valley.
“You’ll get killed in a swift water incident. It’s one of the most dangerous things we’ll do,” said Fire Capt. Geoff Tuck from Roanoke County Fire & Rescue.
Thanks to new equipment, Roanoke County Fire & Rescue will be ready for any swift water rescue call. The county spent $150,000 on three motorboats, a paddleboat, drysuits and life jackets to equip and train its very own swift water rescue team.
Thursday, they were already put to good use when the team responded to a call.
“We’re extremely excited,” said Tuck.
Tuck said that after Hurricane Michael in 2018, the department realized the need. That need was only amplified after that past year of heavy rain and flash flooding.