Churchville Volunteer Fire
Department honored for flood rescue

Fighting fires is only one of the things firefighters are trained to do. They have to be ready to respond to a wide array of emergencies and rescues. This was the case on September 11, 2004 when a mother and her three- and seven-year-old sons needed to be rescued from Black Creek in Churchville after their canoe capsized.

Churchville's Volunteer Fire Department responded quickly and rescued all three victims, as well as another individual who got trapped in the creek while trying to help.

"Most people think firefighters just put out fires," said Chief Scott Flagler. "Yet we are sort of like an 'all-purpose' department when it comes to responding to all the different kinds of emergencies that can occur."

In recognition of the fire department's heroic efforts, it was honored with a special award by the Western New York Volunteer Firemen's Association. The award was given to the Churchville department at a convention held in Niagara County at St. Johnsburg July 28 to 30.

The rescue

The rescue occurred as a result of a series of storms that increased the level of Black Creek to eight-and-a-half feet above flood stage.

It wasn't raining though on September 11, 2004. Instead, the sun was shining and the skies were clear. For a mother and her two small sons, it seemed like the perfect day to go for a canoe ride in the creek. Unfortunately, the family's ride would be extremely short since within minutes of entering the water the canoe unexpectedly flipped over just below the dam in Churchville.

All three passengers were instantly dumped into the cold creek waters. Fortunately, the mother was able to grab her three-year-old as they went into the creek. They rode the waters until they were able to grab onto some woody material. The seven-year-old also was able to grab onto a downed tree.

All three victims screamed for help. Their cries were heard by two people working at the nearby businesses along South Main Street.

One man who heard their shouts ran to the creek and attempted to help. The volume, depth and speed of the water, however, were too overpowering for him. He ended up clinging on to an overhanging brush.

A second person who worked at a local pizza shop also heard the screams and ran to get help. He didn't have to go too far since he saw Flagler stopped at the railroad tracks on Main Street - a perfect example of being at the "right place at the right time."

Calling 911, Flagler requested fire department response and an ambulance crew. He then immediately went to the creek to assess the situation. He was able to pull the man safely to the shore but tether lines needed to be used in order to rescue the woman and her two sons.

The ropes were attached around firefighters Dwain Gratten, Josh Harmer and past chiefs Greg Harmer and Scott Lancaster, who entered the water upstream. The three-year-old boy was rescued first followed by his seven-year-old brother and their mother. One more rescue had to occur though before the mission could be declared a complete success. The man who Flagler initially rescued needed to be unexpectedly rescued a second time after he had re-entered the water in his attempt to help the firefighters.

Once all the victims were safely on shore, an ambulance at the scene transported them to the hospital. They were released later that day and suffered only a few bruises and scrapes.

The outcome could have been tragically different if Churchville's Volunteer Fire Department hadn't responded so quickly, it is acknowledged. Remarkably, the rescue was completed within only 20 minutes of Flagler learning about the emergency and calling in the rescue.

"From the firemen in the water, to those on the shore pulling them in, to the EMTs and the police who also helped, I am very proud of every person who was involved in the rescue," said Flagler. "This was a team effort and the successful rescue is the result of hours of training that paid off."

The members of Churchville's Volunteer Fire Department see the rescue as a team effort. No member of the department wanted individual recognition. In fact, the award that they received for the rescue is traditionally given to one firefighter and is called the "Fireman of the Year" award. The committee, however, agreed with the department and felt it was appropriate that the entire department be honored.

"We are extremely proud to receive the award," said Flagler. "It means a lot and represents all the effort and time each member of the department has dedicated to serving the community."