Tuesday January 9, 2024 was a busy day for the volunteers of Gettysburg Fire with 12 calls for service in 24 hours. The day began with a traffic accident with entrapment in the 22 box, Barlow. Assistant Chief 22 was the incident commander and Company 22 provided fire protection. Rescue 1 from Gettysburg along with Rescue 20 from Littlestown and 6 from Emmitsburg worked together to free the driver from the vehicle.

Due to the heavy rains, GFD and Boat 1 were dispatched for two separate swiftwater rescue calls to rescue drivers trapped in their vehicles after driving through water on the roadway. Remember: Turn Around...Don't Drown! Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

Other calls included flooding in a home basement, another traffic accident, a medical assist, and more. We are proud to serve our community! As an all-volunteer fire department, we are always seeking those who want to contribute, whether as a volunteer or in other ways. To learn more, reach out to our business office.