Commissioners approve state-funded swift-water rescue team for Nash County

The Nash County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 3 approved the sheriff's request to establish a Type 3 swift-water rescue team to respond to flood rescues locally and regionally. Lieutenant Tony Cameron, who the sheriff assigned to organize the unit, told the board the team would be trained to rescue residents stranded by floodwaters and to deploy to other jurisdictions when needed.

"The sheriff's office would like to initiate a swift water rescue team for this county and the ability to to respond nationwide," Lieutenant Tony Cameron said, describing prior fatal flood events in the county and surrounding areas. Cameron said the team will use existing personnel where possible — he identified 19 members already within the sheriff's office who hold relevant credentials — and that initial equipment, training and certification needs are included in the requested purchase.

Commissioners pressed staff on costs and overlap with neighboring teams. Commissioner Davis said he worried about duplicating services that Rocky Mount provides, but Cameron and other supporters said additional local capacity is needed in a 512-square-mile county where response time matters. Cameron told the board that startup training funding was earmarked and that ongoing costs would include annual training and equipment maintenance.

After discussion and a motion, the board approved the sole-source purchase and authorization to stand up the team. Supporters highlighted both the life-saving mission and the fact that the initial purchase and equipment were paid for through state funds, while opponents urged ensuring coordination and avoiding unnecessary duplication with regional partners.