26 swift water rescue teams get new equipment

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — As hurricane season bears down, several swift water rescue teams in North Carolina have received new equipment that will help them save people in disasters.

State officials said in a news release that 26 teams recently received new gear, thanks to more than $2 million in funding from the state.

They say the new equipment will enhance what the teams already have or will replace aging equipment.

Most of the money was spent on new water rescue equipment, including 46 inflatable swift water rescue boats, 62 motors and accessories to support the teams, including fuel tanks, life jackets, dry suits, paddles and other gear to maintain the boats and motors.

The teams include:

• Apex Fire Department
• Asheville Fire Department
• Alexander County Rescue Squad
• Blowing Rock Fire Department
• Brunswick County Emergency Services
• Burke County Emergency Services
• Buncombe County Emergency Services
• Cary Fire Department
• Charlotte Fire Department
• Cherokee Fire Department
• Davie County Rescue Squad
• Greensboro Fire Department
• Fayetteville Fire Department
• Greenville/New Bern Fire Departments
• Henderson County Emergency Services
• Lewisville Fire Department
• Lincoln County Emergency Services
• Lumberton Rescue
• Mooresville Fire Department
• New Hanover County Fire Department
• Onslow County Emergency Services
• Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Fire Departments
• Rocky Mount Fire Department
• Rockingham County Emergency Services
• South Orange Rescue Squad
• Winston-Salem Fire Department