Seven Rescued As Floods Damage Pickett County Roads
Pickett County emergency crews rescued seven people and three dogs from rising floodwaters as heavy weekend rains damaged bridges and forced several road closures across the county. EMS and EMA Director Garry Garrett said the most significant impacts occurred near Highway 127, Moodyville, and Caney Creek. Garrett said the flooding was localized to low-lying areas […]
Putnam Rescue Drones Accelerate Emergency Operations
The Putnam County Rescue Squad utilizing a drone program to significantly reduce the time required for emergency search operations in remote areas. Putnam EMS Paramedic and Volunteer Drone Coordinator Stanley Vanhooser said the initiative began as technology became a game-changer for local search and rescue missions. Vanhooser said the program has grown from two pilots […]
Overnight Fall Creek Falls Rescue Hampered By Severe Weather
A seventeen-hour rescue of a male stranded in Fall Creek Falls Park Tuesday and Wednesday hampered by severe weather. The man died and the cause of death is unknown. Piney Volunteer Fire Department PIO Tiwanna Bricker said forty to fifty people were involved in the rescue which began around 3:00pm Tuesday and ended around 8:00am […]
Local Business Donates Box Truck to Putnam Rescue Squad
Putnam County Rescue Squad getting the first gift of the holiday season, a straight axle box truck. Public Information Officer Mike Herrick said the rescue squad was looking into purchasing new trailers to replace the aging ones they use to haul heavy equipment. Herrick said Cookeville Heating and Cooling was working to sell the truck, […]
Putnam Rescue Squad Training For Submerged Vehicles Underwater
Putnam County Swift Water Rescue Squad members are in Texas training for swift water rescue tactics to improve response. EMA Director Tyler Smith said unfortunately the training had to be postponed in February, because the skills could have been used this weekend. Smith said it is better late than never, because water rescues have been […]
Putnam Co. Rescue Squad Annual Fundraiser
Putnam County residents can expect mail from their local rescue squad asking for donations for this year’s fundraiser. The funds are used to purchase upgraded equipment and train volunteers. Public Information Officer Mike Herrick said this year’s target is $100,000. “Being volunteer, we do not have any payroll,” Herrick said. “The items to outfit those […]
Expert: Think Before Crossing Water
During Sunday night’s flash floods in Putnam County, an individual had to be rescued from their vehicle. Putnam County Emergency Management Agency Director Tyler Smith said it only takes two feet of water to pick up a car. When you come to a flooded road, Smith Said thinking of all the variables before you try […]
Wearing A Life Jacket Can Save Your Life
No matter your age, wear a life jacket even if you believe you’re a strong swimmer. That’s the advice from Putnam County Rescue Squad PIO Mike Herrick. He said nine times out of ten drowning accidents, people didn’t wear a life jacket. “People can get caught off guard, they may get injured and lose consciousness […]
