Over the years, the rivers and streams in Lexington County have become popular attractions for people to enjoy fresh air and nature at its finest. But what happens when problems arise on the river – flash flooding, accidental drowning, missing persons? Who comes to the rescue?
Before 2011, Lexington County had to call in the Columbia Fire Department because they were the only certified swift-water rescue unit in the Midlands. This required Lexington County to outsource operations in their area of responsibility due to lack of training and equipment and placed that burden on an outside agency.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department realized there was a need to bring a Swift-Water and Flood Rescue and Recovery Team to the County. A $50,000 donation was made to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation earmarked specifically for swift-water rescue equipment and training in swift-water rescue missions. Over the years, grants from the Motorola Solutions Foundation to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation have enabled continual training in swift-water rescue missions for additional individuals in the Sheriff’s Department as well as extending the training to the Lexington County Fire Service Emergency Response Team and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Now Lexington County has a multi-agency rescue team trained and equipped to handle missions in Lake Murray, the Saluda River, Congaree River, North Edisto River and other bodies of water in Lexington County. The Sheriff’s Department has 8 deputies trained in swift-water rescue and flood rescue and recovery. Team members train in helicopter aquatic rescue operations, boating safety, dive operations, and swift-water and flood rescue.
We haven’t forgotten about our fantastic partners at the Columbia Fire Department, but now, instead of placing the burden on them, we can partner with them to execute swift-water rescue missions, especially along the stretch of the Congaree River that we share. This makes both units more successful and our counties safer places. |
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