Photo from the Town of Greater Napanee
Greater Napanee Town Council has recognized some of our local firefighters for their bravery during a dangerous water rescue over the weekend.
Shortly before 7pm Saturday evening, emergency services responded to a report of a vehicle in the Napanee river, at the top of the water falls.
Greater Napanee Mayor Terry Richardson noted this isn’t something we see everyday, and it’s something we hopefully won’t see again.
Audio PlayerFire Chief Shawn Armstrong shared with council of the great honour he has of leading this extremely competent group of individuals.
During the rescue, two firefighters were swept over the falls and found themselves trapped beneath the first layer and caught in the powerful current.
Audio PlayerArmstrong went on to say that through sheer determination, the firefighters managed to reach the stranded driver, and bring them to safety.
Firefighters recognized include Al Hatton, who Armstrong said took the cold water plunge and was one of the first in the water, Mike Magee, who took the unfortunate trip down the rapids, Brittini Bourdage, Mathew Brannen, Connor Clark-Alldread, Tina Duncan, James Feeney, Brad Fish, Rob Hanna, Ken Meincke, Brad Nichol, Mike Perry, Trevor Sager, Shawn Tokonitz, Nathan Thompson, and Jody Wales.
A full debrief is taking place on this incident, with an eye on improving the fire departments responses.
Written by Emily Chatwood
