Friday, September 13, 2013

State Police Officer Rescues Family from Chaves County Flood

Chaves County — On Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 7:00 am; NMSP Dispatch in Roswell received a call from the Pecos Valley Regional Communications Center regarding assistance needed with distressed residents on River Road. River Road is located ten miles east of Roswell.

The Pecos River began rising to impassable levels due to heavy rainfall within the past twelve hours. This resulted in people being unable to leave their homes for safety.

Officer Marcus Gonzales, a NMSP Diver, responded to the scene equipped with swift water equipment, assisted by members of the Roswell Fire Department and Sierra Volunteer Fire Department.

Officer Gonzales was able to cross thirty feet of chest-deep, rushing water numerous times to carry an adult female, and several young children, and elderly persons to safety.

Rescue vehicles were able to transport these individuals to various locations, to include the Eastern NM University Roswell Campus shelter arranged by the American Red Cross.

HT: Heath Haussaman

No comments: