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On February 16th Calhoun County was hit by one of the
worst winter storms in memory. This storm included
heavy wet snow, ice, and freezing rain. Which made
travel nearly impossible and extremely dangerous, as
it coated roadways and brought down numerous trees
throughout the county.
The result of the storm as we all know, was the
almost total closure of every roadway within the
Grantsville area. At the height of the storm
virtually the entire county was with out electrical
power and telephone service.
I would like to take this opportunity to
personally thank the members of the Grantsville
Volunteer Fire Department for there service
and dedication to the community they serve.
Firefighters David Johnson, Ed Tingler and
Craig Gherke, after working for several
hours in the Grantsville area responded to a
request for assistance to the Arnoldsburg VFD
to assist them clearing trees from their roads.
Firefighters Al Keesler, Chris Keener, Andrew
Johnson, Jr. Firefighters Ryan Bremar, Chris
McCormick and Jesse Keesler, remained in the
Grantsville VFD district clearing trees from
the roadways, until 3 a.m. Monday, at which
time they ran out of gas for their chain saws.
This group of volunteers returned to the roadways
at 7 a.m. Monday when they could purchase more
fuel. This group of volunteers returned to the
roadway on Tuesday, continuing their service to the
community.
On Wednesday department members drove to Charleston.
To bring back 800 gallons of bottled drinking water.
This water was split with the Arnoldsburg VFD
and distributed to citizens of the county who had
no power for well pumps.
On Thursday the Grantsville VFD received an additional
400 gallons of water provided by OES Director
Bill Stemple Firefighter Jim Yoak and his wife
Karen. Remained at the Grantsville VFD station to
distribute this water to any one who stopped by.
While Firefighter Al Keesler, Jr. members Ryan
Bremar, Chris McCormick and Jessie Keesler
traveled the back roads of the county
distributing water and checking on elderly
residents in remote areas. In two
cases special trips were made to return and deliver
food supplies to families that were virtually
isolated. The food was provided by CRI and a Grantsville
Church food pantry.
On Friday they continued the water deliveries
and well-being checks. On Saturday seeing the need
Jim Yoak returned to Charleston, to return with
another 800 gallons of water.
Once again the Grantsville VFD members answered the call.
On Saturday of this past week, mother nature brought
The Grantsville area warmer temperatures and rain.
With the warmer temperatures and rain came, melting
ice and snow cover. This created ideal conditions
for flooding and it did flood.
Firefighters Judy Brannon, Ed Tingler and Jim
Yoak began to coordinate efforts Saturday morning
in the event evacuation or relocation was needed.
Department members Curt Garretson, Carl Brannon,
Jim Yoak, Ryan Bremar, Al Keesler, Matt Kirby,
Craig Gherke, Lisa Purvis, June Deuley, and Dave
Johnson were on hand from the start of the rain
early Saturday evening. They remained at the Fire
Station through the night. Keeping an eye on the
rising river. Members alerted river front residents
of the expected height and time of the river crest.
Members took portable water pumps to some residences
to help pump out basements. Used cement blocks
borrowed from Hardmans Supply to raise furnishing
and appliances. They helped others relocate furnishings
to higher ground, and relocate live stock.
A special thanks to Firefighter Ed Tingler who
drove his personal vehicle through deep water on
River street, to evacuate an elderly resident.
I would like to thank Mike Ritchie of the
Calhoun County Committee On Aging for use of their
building as a temporary evacuation center.
Thanks to Lisa Purvis for spending the night
Sunday at the Grantsville VFD fire hall with a family
that was unable to return home that night because of
high water.
Also a very special thanks the the parents of
Jr. Fire Fighter Ryan Bremar, who took it upon
themselves, to come to the fire hall Sunday
morning and cook breakfast for the members who
have put in a very long and tiring week in service
to the community.
I am extremely grateful to the above mentioned
members of the Grantsville Volunteer Fire
Department,
for their service, dedication and sacrifice during
our County's time of need.
Stephen A. Heath, Chief
Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department
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