Equipment seized at Alabama rescue squad that suffered line-of-duty-death
Since two of its boats overturned during a search, killing one member and injuring three other members, Alabama’s Etowah County Rescue Squad has been dealing with a series of difficulties. The most recent yesterday (Tuesday) was the seizure by the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office and its Emergency Management Agency of some of the squad’s equipment. Among the things removed were spotlights, thermal imaging equipment and two trailers.
The April incident is still under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency but since then the squad is no longer receiving 911 calls and is no longer permitted to operate with Gadsden Fire, the Etowah County Fire Association and EMA.
Click here if video above fails to play
Previously: Alabama rescue squad member killed after rescue boats flip at dam during river search
The seizure, Sheriff Todd Entrekin said, involved equipment from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Chief Deputy Michael Barton said once the squad could no longer use the equipment in Etowah County, it had to be reallocated to agencies that could deploy it, due to federal regulations.
(Rescue Squad Captain David) Kelton said he was notified on Friday that he had four days to prepare paperwork and turn the equipment over. The trailers were hitched and driven off this afternoon.
“I want to do what’s required,” Kelton said. “I want to move forward.”
