W
hen disaster strikes, community members rely on first responders for help.
But sometimes, it's the first responders who need assistance.
After weekend flooding devastated parts of the West Virginia coalfields and southwest Virginia, volunteers and other members of local fire departments were quick to respond to assist their colleagues in the southern counties.
"Our team has been on the ground, assisting with water rescues, evacuations, and providing much-needed relief to those affected by this historic flooding,” said Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kevin Clendenin.
Officials said the Clendenin VFD was one of at least three local fire departments to send members of their dedicated Swift Water Rescue Teams to hard-hit McDowell County. Other participating Kanawha Valley departments included the Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department and the South Charleston Fire Department. The Ripley Volunteer Fire Department and the West Virginia National Guard All Hazards Response Team also assisted.
Clendenin's Swift Water Rescue Team includes technical rescue personnel, paramedics and support staff. The team "worked closely with state and local agencies to ensure the safety of residents and help restore a sense of security during these challenging times," according to a release.
Crews were sent to the communities of Welch, Jesse and Williams, representatives said.
"This was an unprecedented disaster," Chief Clendenin said.
At least one individual has died as a result of the floods, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said during a morning press briefing on Monday.
“We have one confirmed fatality at this time,” Morrisey said. “We’re going to hold off on the identity of that person until the family is notified.”
Morrisey surveyed flood damage in southern West Virginia on Monday afternoon and requested a federal major disaster declaration be made after returning from his trip.
“This will help unlock federal resources to support West Virginians hardest hit by the major flooding events of the past few days," Morrisey said of the request.
Meanwhile, local fire department personnel keep assisting with ongoing recovery efforts in West Virginia and Virginia. Clendenin said his volunteers will continue providing water rescues and damage assessments and assist with procuring shelter and supplies to those displaced by the floods.
"This community is strong," Clendenin said. "We are proud to stand alongside our neighbors in southern West Virginia and McDowell County to help them through this difficult time.”
