Units from Fire Station 33 were dispatched to the intersection of Bradley Boulevard and Mercy Hollow Lane. Upon arrival, Engine 733 located what appeared to be a single vehicle, partially submerged but stable, pressed against a guardrail. Then, across roughly 200 feet of floodwater, officers from Montgomery County Police alerted our crews to something far more urgent: a second vehicle, almost completely submerged, with only its roof visible above the rushing water.
If you look closely at the first photo, you can spot the silhouette of that second car — and standing on top of it, an 8-year-old child, exposed to the storm. Inside the vehicle, a woman and a two-year-old remained trapped.
What followed was a powerful example of training, coordination, courage, and decisive action. Swift Water Rescue teams, arriving quickly on scene, executed a high-risk operation with precision — ultimately rescuing six civilians from the rising floodwaters.
This was no routine response. It was a high-stakes incident unfolding under rapidly changing conditions, and it was met with professionalism, urgency, and seamless teamwork. This rescue was also a testament to the power of interagency collaboration. MCFRS’s close coordination with the Montgomery County Police made all the difference when seconds mattered most.
Fire Station 33 Captain James Leinhauser reflected:
“This wasn’t a one-off act of bravery — it was the direct result of relentless training, teamwork, and a deep commitment to service. The men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service deliver high-quality emergency response hundreds of times every single day, in conditions both routine and extreme. We are committed to providing the highest quality service, each and every time we go out the door. I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved in today’s rescue.”
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