Mounted search and rescue

["IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>]

On Saturday evening 6-13, our area was hit with heavy rain, lightening, and
flash floods.  There were 4 NOAA alerts in 3 hours.  The Wissahickon,
Pennypack, and Neshaminy Creeks were all over their banks in less than hour
(2-3 feet over flood stage). Locally, the township police reported a car in
the Wissahickon Creek. This brought out 4 boats from the local fire
companies for brown water rescue.  With spotters on every accessible bridge
downstream the vehicle was found to be empty.  When, 30 minutes into this
all hands effort the fire OIC got the license plates run the subject was
located, high and dry, by the police in a few minutes.

Make sure the subject of your search is missing.  Given the danger of water
rescue/ recovery committing your personnel to the water before you have a
confirmed subject can be deadly. 

Irv Lichtenstein