UPDATE: Bridgeport Fire Department staff took the rescue boat last night to Greenbrier County and the accompanying members will be involved in search and rescue through the immediate future. They are responding also to a request  by the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to assist in a major response effort to flood victims.

 

ORIGINAL: The flooding in southern West Virginia has caught the attention of the entire state. And it has definitely caught the attention of the City of Bridgeport.

 

This afternoon, the Bridgeport Fire Department will be sending its rubber swift water rescue boat to areas hit hardest by the flooding in certain areas of the Mountain State – some of historical proportions. Fire Chief Phil Hart wasn’t certain at noon where the exact destination would be for the boat, but that emergency officials had indicated a need and they leave it where it’s most needed. As of 1:30 p.m. it had not yet been activated for destination.

 

“It can be used for search and rescue and to assist those who may be stranded,” said Hart. “We know others would help our area if this happened to us so we’re here to help as well.”

 

While that’s one thing that’s being done, Hart and Bridgeport City Clerk Andrea Kerr hope residents get involve with assisting as well. Again, the Bridgeport Fire Department’s Main Street station will be the focal point.

 

“In the aftermath of the storms this week, all of us were inundated by the pictures on social media of the flooding, damage and destruction to our southern counties,” said Kerr. “(Emergency Services Director) Laura Pysz and Chief Hart and I decided to put something together to help the families that will have tough days ahead of them.”

 

The group decided to set up a collection point at the fire department and fill up a large trailer to take goods for delivery to southern counties in the days ahead. The items being requested include bleach, buckets, gloves, brooms, diapers, feminine products, pet care products, hand sanitizer,garbage bags, non-perishable food, shovels, face masks and bottled water.

 

“We have faith in the community that our resident will fill that trailer multiple times for trips to southern West Virginia,” said Kerr.

 

Hart echoed those comments.

 

“The community of Bridgeport, I’m 100 percent certain, will step up to help our neighbors to the south. This community has always stepped up in times of need and there is certainly a need here and we know the people of this city will recognize that need.”

 

Kerr said further assistance could also occur. She said there has been a request to send fire personnel to the flood-ravaged areas to help out with fire staffs overwhelmed by the natural disaster they’re facing.

 

“We hope to be able to help out to the level that we can,” said Kerr.

 

The Bridgeport Fire Department’s main station is situated on Main Street, past the Dairy Queen and on the opposite side of the road, with the address being 131 West Main Street. Although the group may be out on a call, the department is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.