JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Austin Camp and Brandon Shadwick from Marion County have recently been honored for their efforts saving lives during the wake of severe flooding in Chattanooga last month. During the meeting, which took place at the Chattanooga City Council building in downtown, city mayor Tim Kelly took center stage to recognize both gentleman alongside EPB (Electric Power Board) employee Troy Plemons. The trio came together to help guide those caught in the floods to higher ground.
Back in mid-August, Chattanooga experienced its second wettest day in history due to high volumes of precipitation, experiencing over six inches of rainfall as reported by the National Weather Service. The amount of rainfall caused severe flooding throughout parts of Chattanooga, with sections of 1-24 near I-75 and US 27 closing down due to high levels of floodwaters, waters which left those caught in it trapped inside their vehicles.
Mayor Kelly explained both Shadwick and Camp were leaving work for the day when flood waters began to rise on 1-24. As Plemons, Camp, and Shadwick were left trapped within the floodwaters, they immediately took action and began helping others trapped in their vehicles by leading them to higher ground, saving lives during a time of crisis.
“Their decisiveness to act, to put themselves in harm’s way and use the tools and truck available to them saved lives that day. There is no doubt,” stated Kelly.Shadrick explained that being honored means a lot to Camp and himself, stating the two of them didn’t help people for publicity but did it out of having good hearts and through the need to help others when danger exists. Michelle Shadwick, Brandon’s mother, acknowledged how proud she was of her son and Camp in their efforts to ensure those caught during the floods could return home safely to their families.
“My mother’s heart cannot be any more proud,” said Michelle.
–Photo by Misty Hamilton