GUYMON, Oklahoma (KVII) — The Guymon Fire Department’s Swiftwater Search & Rescue team returned home safely after helping flood victims in South Texas.
The team returned Thursday evening, after spending 7-days at the South Texas mission where flooding prompted evacuations, road closures and high-water rescues.
They went to locations in San Antonio, Crystal City, Asherton, Uvalde, and the Carrizo Springs area near the Mexico border.
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The specialized team helped in various rescue and mutual aid activities related to the deadly flooding.
The three Guymon members that deployed helped numerous people get to higher ground maneuvering in the high waters, monitored water levels, and assisted utility companies with getting wells and pumps back in service to provide drinking water.
“Rescues and being prepared for immediate rescues were our mission, but many things we did were not an emergency, instead they were acts of helping people in need”, said Swiftwater Leader Captain Lane Duer of Guymon.
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Fire Chief Grant Wadley said the request came from the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management after Texas officials asked Oklahoma emergency management partners for help.
“Guymon was among several Oklahoma teams that responded to this”, said Wadley.
The Guymon Fire Department said they are proud to serve and stand prepared for the next calling.