HITCHINS — The Hitchins Volunteer Fire Department had an extremely busy Tuesday, August 11, as a powerful storm moved through the area, leaving widespread damage throughout the department’s district.
In approximately a two-hour period, firefighters responded to 15 calls involving storm-related damage. Calls included trees falling on or into homes, vehicles damaged by falling trees, multiple trees blocking roadways, downed power lines, splintered power poles, a barn that lost its roof, and a church that sustained damage after trees fell onto the structure.
With two trucks operating throughout the district, Hitchins firefighters worked continuously to help residents and reopen roadways. Crews cut and removed trees that were blocking roads, checked hazardous areas, and reported downed power lines to dispatch so that AEP could be notified.
Those working throughout the storm response included Chief Greg Shaffer, safety officer Lettie Marcum, Captain Robert Knipp, firefighter John McKinney, firefighter Amanda Knipp, and firefighter Kyle Wages.
Carter County Emergency Management was also on scene, with EM1 assessing damage throughout the area and working alongside emergency responders to identify and document the storm’s impact.
The department’s response continued into Wednesday, August 12, when two additional calls came in for trees down. Chief Greg Shaffer responded to both incidents, with assistance from the Grayson Fire Department on one of the calls.
Despite the extensive damage, local emergency responders worked together to accomplish a common goal: getting the main roads reopened, addressing hazards, and helping the residents of our community.
The Hitchins Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank all of the firefighters, dispatchers, emergency management personnel, neighboring fire departments, utility crews, and everyone else who worked together during the storm response.
“This is what being part of a community is all about,” a spokesperson for the department said. “When our neighbors need help, we come together and get the job done.”
The Hitchins Volunteer Fire Department reminds residents to continue using caution around downed trees, damaged structures, and especially downed or damaged power lines. Never approach a downed power line and always report it to the proper authorities.
The storm may have caused the damage, but our community showed its strength by coming together to help one another.
