The article recounts the story of Isabel Bond, 89, who was rescued by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Volusia County Fire Rescue during Hurricane Milton’s flooding. Despite her initial reluctance to leave her home without her two cats, the responders ensured their safety and provided assistance amidst perilous conditions. Bond expressed deep gratitude for their kindness and professionalism, highlighting the importance of community support during emergencies.
Isabel Bond, an 89-year-old resident of Samsula, Florida, faced rising floodwaters due to Hurricane Milton on October 12. Concerned for her safety without power or means of communication, she received timely assistance from the high-water rescue team of the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Volusia County Fire Rescue. Despite initial hesitance to leave her home without her two cats, the responders assured her that they would also tend to the animals. This collaborative effort resulted in a successful evacuation of Bond and her cats from a precarious situation.
The hurricane prompted extensive rescue operations, with first responders in Daytona Beach rescuing hundreds of residents using high-water vehicles. Amidst the turmoil, freelance photographer Nadia Zomorodian observed the dedication of the rescue team, noting, “With everything that happened in my four days of riding with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office high water rescue team, I was able to see firsthand what our everyday heroes get to do.” Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Kara Haun pointed out the unique challenges faced by the team, including downed trees and hazardous waters. The collaborative rescue efforts became essential, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as South Daytona and Samsula.
Throughout their mission, the rescue teams faced unpredictable circumstances, frequently responding to urgent requests for assistance. On one occasion, their journey to assist a pre-identified individual led them to a house harboring eleven people in need, showcasing their adaptability and responsiveness to emerging needs. Rescue personnel are trained to handle such challenges, putting their safety at risk to save others.
Isabel Bond expressed profound gratitude towards her rescuers, emphasizing their kindness and professionalism in her time of distress. “They were all very, very nice and very helpful, and, well, I couldn’t have asked to be treated any better,” she stated. Bond was able to return to her home after a week, feeling thankful for both the rescue team’s efforts and their treatment of her cats during the ordeal. Reflecting on her experience, she remarked, “Just thank you very much; you were very good to me…and I appreciate the way you treated the cats, also.”
The events described in this article highlight the life-saving efforts of emergency response teams during natural disasters, specifically focusing on the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Volusia County Fire Rescue’s operations during Hurricane Milton. As heavy rains caused significant flooding in Samsula and surrounding areas, these teams mobilized to assist residents in distress, showcasing the dedication, bravery, and compassion of first responders in dire situations. The narrative around Isabel Bond’s rescue not only illustrates the threats posed by natural disasters but also emphasizes the community’s reliance on trained professionals for safety and support during emergencies.
In conclusion, the article underscores the vital role of rescue teams during emergencies, illustrating how their prompt actions can save lives, including those of vulnerable individuals and their pets. Isabel Bond’s thankful reflection upon her rescue from Hurricane Milton serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and the dedication of first responders who prioritize the safety of others. The collaborative efforts in emergency situations reveal a profound commitment to public service, with teams braving dangerous conditions to provide assistance.
Original Source: www.news-journalonline.com
