Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Response topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hochatown staff, police and volunteers review winter storm response and identify equipment gaps
Summary
Town staff and public safety officials reviewed rescue operations after the Jan. 23 ice storm, credited multiagency cooperation that assisted an estimated 45–50 people, and urged purchases of local equipment to improve future response.
Hochatown staff and emergency responders summarized the town's response to an ice storm that began Jan. 23 and lasted into early February, saying multiagency operations rescued dozens and kept critical routes open. "The storm hit January 23," Adam Boss told trustees during his monthly report, and staff operated response efforts through Feb. 3.
Police and fire officials described specific rescue and welfare operations. The police chief said his department "executed over a dozen major rescue missions, assisted an estimated 45 to 50 plus individuals, supported 15 to 20 plus vehicles," and coordinated with McCurtain County Sheriff's Office and Hochatown Fire Department. Volunteer and park staff reported long periods of coverage and one reported injury: a resident who broke an arm.
Trustees thanked staff, contractors and volunteers and discussed shortfalls in equipment. Speakers urged procurement of items to reduce reliance on neighboring jurisdictions for vehicle recovery and emergency access; one volunteer said some purchases would be "not a ton of money" but would allow initial response capability until mutual-aid assets arrive. Town administration said a debrief and internal survey are underway and that staff will bring equipment requests to a future agenda for action.
