COLUMBUS – Bartholomew County emergency officials reported 15 water rescues in the community over the weekend.
According to Sgt. Dane Duke of the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department said 32 people were rescued from high waters. The majority of these rescues occurred at two homeless encampments. Eight people and pets were rescued on Saturday just east of US 31 and County Road 50 N, and another 12 people and pets were rescued on Sunday off of Water Street in Columbus.
The Bartholomew County Water Rescue Team, a joint effort of the Sheriff’s Department and the Columbus Township Fire & Rescue Department, conducted these operations.
Sheriff Chris Lane stated last night that the team had also performed another rescue, freeing two dogs for a family trapped at home due to rising floodwaters. He thanked the Harrison Township Volunteer Department for their assistance in this rescue.
The Columbus Fire Department also assisted CenterPoint Energy by providing a boat to help them reach a gas utility facility on Tellman Camp Road. Capt. Mike Wilson allowed CenterPoint to complete a service on one of their gas delivery units.
