TEMPLE, TX — When it comes to swift water rescues, Temple Fire and Rescue swift water technicians often have to enter the water without a boat.
"Part of our risk in the water is actually the stuff that's in the water that can get into us and you know we're exposed to that," said Captain Samuel Hendricks with Temple Fire and Rescue.
In the past, they have even had to wait on neighboring fire departments in order to get out on the water.
"We had one out on Riverside Trail. We actually the gentleman got washed off the low water crossing down there and he was stuck up in a tree. Our rescue technicians got out to the tree, but because of the water, the speed of the water, they could not safely maneuver him and them out of the area without a boat and we had to request help from Belton Fire Department to come in and get their boat in," said Hendricks.
However, that is all about to change and swift water rescues should become much safer for the technicians.
Temple Fire and Rescue is this year's recipient of a $20,000 State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Grant to fund the purchase of a swift water rescue boat and trailer.
"The boat will provide stability. It will provide safety. It will provide the maneuverability needed to get the rescue, conduct it safely and in a time efficient manner," said Thomas Pechal, spokesman for Temple Fire and Rescue
The department received the grant Thursday evening at the city council meeting.
