Sunday, June 2, 2013

The truest form of a hero

 

There have been a lot of severe storms in the last couple weeks. Oklahoma got hit pretty hard and a large tornado in one town basically clearing out a good portion of that town. Though there were some tornados that touched down near my hometown there was not a lot of major damage.  We are from Polk county and both our families still live there.

Photo: 6 confirmed tornadoes so far from Thursday's severe weather. More surveys coming.  Arkansas has had a total of 21 tornadoes in 2013.  Our yearly average is 33.

What the storms did bring was rain and lots of it. Flash flooding has a whole new meaning to me. The town had some major water in business's and a fiber optic line washed out shutting down most technology. Phones (land and cell), electric, internet , debit/ credit card machines and atms. In our technological age this was a big shock to many. Here are some pictures.

Photo: This is the Prairie Creek Bridge on Polk 671 behind the Country Club east of Mena. The bridge is not closed but I sure would not cross it what with a big chunk of earth and materials washed out on both sides and water still over the bridge. Polk County roads and bridges have been seriously affected by the flooding. Having served on the Polk County Quorum Court, I know first hand what a struggle it is for the County Judge to maintain the many roads in the county during normal times, so I know this will be difficult, expensive and time consuming to overcome. It has been encouraging to hear Judge Ellison and the road crews out working since the flooding started, as well as the State Highway Department. Photo: My home town. Tornados and Water up to doors. :(Photo

But the worst thing is the loss of life. It is confirmed that a neighboring county’s sheriff and game warden lost their lives. They were both helping other people out of the flood waters when a house imploded damaging their boat and knocking them out of it. So sad they were martyrs helping others at the risk of their own lives. The game warden was from my hometown and only a couple of years ahead of me in school. We had a couple classes together and were involved in an extra curricular activity together.

 

   

Joel Campora, Photo from Facebook 

 

Thank you for your service men.  You are truly hero's in many eyes.

Sheriff Cody Carpenter and Wildlife officer Joel Campora……Rest in peace.

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