Powerful and Deadly Storms Tear through the South

[Howard Hartman]

	Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service An Internationally Accredited Public Safety Agency NEWS RELEASE     Richard Bowers, Fire Chief     Assistant Chief Scott Graham, Public Information Officer     Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor, Rockville, Maryland, 20850     Phone: 240.777.2474 – Media Hotline – 240.777.2442
April 16, 2011

Powerful and Deadly Storms Tear through the South
Local Firefighters Assist in Search and Rescue Efforts in North Carolina

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) personnel were called at 5:30 p.m. to assist in the aftermath of tornado damage in the Sanford, North Carolina area. Five MCFRS personnel and one Howard County Fire Department (HCFD) representative were attending a scheduled training class in the North Carolina area and quickly answered the call for assistance and mobilized, joining the Sanford Fire Department, in conducting seach and rescue efforts in the storm-ravaged area.

Numerous homes and businesses were damaged as tornadoes touched down and the powerful line of storms moved through North Carolina. The storm system toppled a Lowes Home Improvement store close to the location where the training class was being conducted. The MCFRS and HCFD crew assisted in rescuing a resident trapped under debris at the home improvement complex, using specialized equipment retrieved from their training class, and successfully pulling her to safety.

The team, led by MCFRS Captain Mike Green, has been demobilized at this time and replaced by State search and rescue resources that have arrived in the area. The team is expected to return home Sunday evening.