JULY 14, 2023 — The Vermont National Guard Soldiers’ quick reaction force worked with North Carolina and Massachusetts urban search and rescue teams to rescue and relocate 27 people and their pets in Cambridge.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Paul Pennoyer and Staff Sgt. Neils Huisman, Vermont National Guard, used Light Medium Tactical Vehicles to aid flood-affected residents; their efforts resulted in the successful rescue and relocation to safer areas away from the flood zone.
Nearly 75 soldiers and airmen are operating in the field as of Thursday, with high axle vehicles on standby in Colchester and Berlin, ready to support urban search and rescue, according to officials.
“The damage and flooding was extensive,” said Huisman, a quick reaction force member, who is also a member of the 40th Army Band, Garrison Support Command. “We are glad that we were able to help people and assist the fast water rescue teams from North Carolina and Massachusetts.”
Vermont has experienced significant flood damage, with two months’ rainfall occurring within two days.
As families and pets needed evacuation, the Vermont National Guard was activated on state active-duty orders to assist with flood response and search and rescue operations.
“It was fantastic to see the emergency management community as a whole come together to support the town of Cambridge,” said 1st Lt. Pennoyer, the commander of the 172nd Law Enforcement Detachment, Garrison Support Command. “The inter-agency operability was unparalleled, and it was an honor to support these fast water rescue teams accomplish the mission.”
By Sgt. Denis Nunez
Vermont National Guard