CHICKASHA – A typical firefighter’s day is comprised chiefly of medical runs, interspersed now and then with a structure fire or grassfire, sometimes a hazardous material spill.
On May 26 it was a water rescue.
Two members of the Chickasha Fire and Emergency Medical Service “went above and beyond during the recent storm to save and man and his pet dog” from drowning, Captain Ricky Burns informed city officials.
Captain Mike Peek and firefighter Travis Triplett “demonstrated bravery and valor by risking their lives during the emergency to make the rescue,” Burns wrote. The two were “hindered by several factors” such as the time of day – after midnight – and limited resources.”
Other members of the Chickasha Fire Department were on the scene, but only Peek and Triplett “were able to enter the water due to their experience and training levels.”
The two men were accorded special recognition during the City Council meeting July 21. Both received “Above and Beyond” citations from Mayor Zach Grayson.
Chickasha’s first responders – police officers and firefighters alike – “go on duty each shift, not knowing if they will return home to their family,” Vice Mayor Georgianne Hebblethwaite said. “I know that most of them will tell you that is what they signed up for, and they know and accept the risks.”
In this instance, it was reported that a man and his dog “were swept from the roadway and were trapped on top of a vehicle in a creek” in the Pocasset area “that flooded with a rapid current,” Hebblethwaite said.
With limited staff and equipment, it was decided to reach him “by the swift water techs,” she continued. “An attempt was made with kayaks, as there were no boat drivers on duty.” When the kayaks did not work, “They ended up swimming to the victim,” placing a lifejacket on him and moving him to dry land.
“Peek and Triplett “entered the floodwaters under hazardous conditions and successfully located and extracted both the stranded man and his dog,” Grayson’s citation related. “Their decisive actions, technical skill and courage under pressure were instrumental in bringing both victims to safety.”
The two were assisted in their efforts by driver Blair Smith, firefighter Tanner Croskey and firefighter Cameron Masters, Peek said.
“That night, Captain Peek and firefighter Triplett improvised, adapted and overcame,” Hebblethwaite said. When minutes counted and could have meant “the difference between life and death,” Triplett and Peek “made their plan, went to work and rescued the man and his dog.”
Recent fatal flooding in Texas and New Mexico “is an example of what our first responders can be called upon to handle at any given time,” Hebblethwaite said. “I hope we can work together to further equip and get more personnel trained to handle such emergencies…. We have an obligation to do all we can to provide the tools and training for our first responders to protect our citizens.”