Opp Fire assists in river rescue

Published 1:00 am Tuesday, June 28, 2016

OFD Lt. Jay Sprulin along with Coffee County Deputies John Floyd and Keith Wise. Photographer/Star-News

OFD Lt. Jay Sprulin along with Coffee County Deputies John Floyd and Keith Wise.
Photographer/Star-News

Opp Fire on Sunday helped with a search and rescue effort on the Pea River after one person needed medical attention.

Opp Fire Chief Cory Spurlin said the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department requested at their assistance around 4:30 p.m.

Five people were in need of rescuing, he said.

“Due to the river’s low water level, Ft. Rucker’s FlatIron was requested,” he said. “Two FlatIron Blackhawk helicopters responded and hoisted all five patients to safety and transported them to a landing zone at Reeves Eddy where Coffee County EMS too over patient care.”

Spurlin said it’s just another example of a multi-agency response in the area with a great outcome.

“It’s an honor to be able to work with all involved,” he said.

Spurlin said they have been involved in 10 water rescues/recoveries since Christmas.

“We have been involved with 24 people rescued and three body recoveries,” he said.