Report from Signal 51 Group's Jerry Hope

Concerns our operations at the Red River Tragedy

August 2, 2010

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Signal 51 going in Service
From this Incident
&

Thanks from Battalion Chief 5

It was wonderful to see these exhausted responders perk up after a cold drink & cold towel that members of Signal 51 provided.

I know some of them would have likely had to be treated if not transported if not for us.  Many of them were kneeling as they regained their breath and strength.

I want to again thank all who helped out that fateful Monday.

I believe there was Divine intervention that helped us through this.

I heard the initial call on my fire radio saying that it was suspected a person may be in trouble in the river. I called dispatch for more info and decided to wait a few minutes before making a decision to run. It was only a couple of minutes, long before it was evident the call was valid, I had a strong feeling that I needed to be there. As I was on the way, Karl who lives almost two hours away in El Dorado, just "Happened" to be on Clyde Fant Parkway on the way to Sam's. He called me to let me know he was in route to help. I was delighted especially since Fred was "goofing-off" in Houston. Mike Gillespie "Happens" to live directly across the street from the incident, Mike called to offer assistance. Shortly, there after Brian called offering assistance. I did not call out anyone else as I had not sized up the situation at that time.

I never advise dispatch that I am on the scene of an incident via radio, but that day I advised, "Signal 51 on Scene". Before I could hang up the mic, Battalion Chief 5, Tim Thames was making an urgent call for water at the river bank. Karl, Mike & I grabbed my usual basket and a few more drinks and headed to find the river. The city had done much to discourage travel to the sandbar area and we had to over come an obstacle course fit for military training. Upon reaching the river, we spied Father Guido who "Happened" to be Chaplain on-call. Immediately realizing the magnitude of the operation, we pressed Fr Guido into action with us.

By now Brian was on scene and he pitched in immediately. I always have enough water and Gatorade on ice for at least two fires. My cold supply was dwindling fast. It "Happened" that I had been to Sam's for restocking and had numerous cases of both water and Gatorade in my truck. Of course, it was over 100 degrees outside and so was the temp of the drinks. We made numerous trips bringing the extras to the riverfront & finally got those super heavy filled coolers down there.  Take a look at the rough terrain we had to travel to get to the operations site. This video was taken a few days after the incident and during daylight. You can imagine how it was when it got dark.  Click HERE to see the video of the trail.

I then called Karen at her home and she flew into action. Karen made great time as she brought much needed ice and donuts to the scene. We made great progress in hydrating and carb loading the divers and other emergency responders. As night approached, I asked Chief Crawford how many personnel he had on scene and asked if we should begin plans to get some food in for the folks. By now we had in addition the Shreveport Fire Department crews, Caddo Sheriff Deputies, City officials, Bossier City Fire Department divers, and Coroner personnel on scene. Chief Crawford advised there were approximately 50 emergency workers on the scene.

No more than 5 minutes later Fred who was listening via Signal 51’s Web site to the action, "Happened" to call to check on us. I told him about needing sandwiches and he graciously volunteered Lydia to help in any way we needed. A Godsend for sure -- Lydia called and we setup a plan for her to pick up 60 cheeseburgers and bring them to the scene.

I think the cold wet towels may have been the most popular item, but those cheeseburgers were right up there. They were still hot and were excellent at that time.

EVERYONE performed admirably, the support folks, the divers, the command, and members of Signal 51 All pulled together to get the job done.. It was a horrible tragedy for the families and our city, but the efforts of all kept it from being worse.

I want to thank; Karl, Karen, Mike G, Brian, Fr Guido & Lydia for answering the call without hesitation. You guys are wonderful!! You made this operation work and I am eternally grateful for you. Yes, I believe there was a Divine intervention, too many positive elements to have been coincidences. I am thankful for His help

PS.  Fred was not really goofing-off, he was attending a conference for APCO, a very worthy organization that is concerned with all phases of Public Safety Communications. He will have a load of info to share with us at our next Signal 51 meeting.
 

>> The Trail We Had to Travel to-and-from the site of the drownings <<

>> See Footnotes on Signal 51's Response Report <<