Johnston County’s New High Water Rescue Vehicle Will Aid First Responders

JOHNSTON COUNTY – Johnston County Emergency Services will take delivery of a new High Water Rescue vehicle later this month.

In July, Emergency Services staff conducted a final inspection on the vehicle before it was shipped to North Carolina.

The specialized vehicle was built by Skeeter Brush Trucks and purchased through Atlantic Emergency Solutions. This rescue vehicle will be utilized to access evacuees and patients in flooded or standing water scenarios in partnership with water rescue services provided by Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and local fire departments, according to Ryan Parker, Director of Johnston County Emergency Services.

The customized rescue truck can also be used to transport goods or materials into areas impacted by floodwaters.

It can accommodate as many as 10 evacuees, including those utilizing an assisted mobility device, along with five rescuers. The vehicle was designed with a lift gate to assist with accommodating mobility devices.

The High Water Rescue truck was ordered in April 2022 at a cost of $306,922. It took more than two years to complete. 

Johnston County Emergency Services will receive the rescue truck after it is showcased at the NC South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo in Raleigh on August 8th and 9th.