Berkeley Co. Rescue Squad

On December 10th (Thursday), the Berkeley County Rescue Squad held its annual Christmas Party at Wampee in Pinopolis, S.C. As usual, the food was amazing, and it was a great opportunity to mingle with the other agencies, like the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, that we work so closely with in times of need. We also recognized several members within the squad and community who've gone above the call of duty to lend their services to the public. Below, we've included some pictures from last night's event. Every year, they seem to get bigger and better. Pictured: Chief Salisbury recognizes Michael Widener with the "Hero of the Year" award.  A few months ago, Michael was working a birthday event at Cypress Gardens with he happened to notice from a distance a little girl (who was left unattended) fall into a large ditch filled with several feet of water. Michael immediately ran to where the little girl fell, got into water which came up to his waist.

Around the state, first responders kept busy during the historic flood that recently hit South Carolina. During the peak of the heavy rain and flooding, Nikki Gaskins appeared multiple times on The Weather Channel to discuss how the Berkeley County Rescue Squad is helping people impacted by the flood as well as offered safety tips to viewers at home. You can watch some of the interview here:

Berkeley Co. Rescue Squad carries kayaker to safety. BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C–The Berkeley County Rescue Squad has spent the last two days evacuating people from areas overtaken by flood water. On Sunday afternoon, the rescue squad responded to the area of U.S. Highway 176 and State Road for an overturned kayaker. Once squad members arrived on scene, they located the kayaker clinging to a tree. Squad members got the kayaker into one of their rescue boats and carried him to safety. Chief Bill Salisbury says the kayaker was not wearing a lifejacket. First responders are asking people to stay at home if at all possible. If Berkeley County residents need assistance or rescued, they are asked to call Berkeley County EOC at 843-719-4800. For those seeking shelter, Cainhoy Elementary lovatef at 2434 Cainhoy Road in Huger is now open.

The Berkeley County Rescue Squad is currently patrolling the area, helping people evacuate to safety as needed. We have multiple boats in the water in areas that were once streets. Presently, the squad is assisting evacuations in the Overton and Short Stay area. Residents are strongly being urged to leave their homes and seek higher ground. Old Black Oak Rd at Monk Lane branch is expected to washout. Shelter for Short Stay and Overton residents has been established at Berkeley Middle School. Evacuation route: exit area and take Highway 52 to the school. Two additional shelters have been established at Berkeley Middle School and Westview Middle School. DO NOT risk driving along highways that are flooded. We have seen numerous vehicles that have been flooded out because people though the water wasn't deep enough. Remember: If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

This evening we have been busy helping people evacuate parts of the Huger area along French Quarter Creek. The water is deep enough to where we're having to use our rescue boats to warn people about the flooding. If you see flooding in your area, do NOT go through it. As the saying goes "turn around, don't drown." Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. We may not be downtown Charleston, but Berkeley Co. is seeing MORE than its fair share of flooding. STAY HOME if possible. VIDEO THAT WE SHOT WHILE ON SCENE:

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.--How would you like a chance to win a brand new shotgun for just one dollar? Well, now here's your chance. The  Berkeley County Rescue Squad  has announced its first ever raffle drawing fundraiser for a brand new Remington shotgun courtesy of  Carolina Arms & Ammo  in Moncks Corner. The shotgun is valued at over $300. Since 1966, the Berkeley County Rescue Squad has been responding to emergencies throughout the state. Made up of all volunteers who answer calls 24/7, squad members handle land searches, water searches and vehicle extrication. Their services are provided to the country free of charge. Believe it or not, the 30-person squad runs on a budget of just about $50,000 per year, Chief Bill Salisbury has said. Unfortunately, it takes money to maintain the level of service its volunteers provide. The money the agency currently receives comes from grants and kind donations from the community. Along with the agency's annual catfish

On July 7th (Tuesday), the Berkeley County Rescue Squad was dispatched at 11:03 a.m. in the area of Lewisfield Plantation just off Old Highway 52 in Moncks Corner in reference to a collision between an F-16 and Cessna. A pilot in the military aircraft safely ejected and survived. Mike and Joe Johnson, father and son, both perished in the crash. Their bodies were recovered shortly after the accident. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the NTSB.

MONCKS CORNER, S.C.–Luckily, the rain didn’t put a damper on Saturday’s catfish tournament held at the Dennis Boat Landing in  Moncks Corner . Several hundred people came out for a  chance to win  some amazing raffle prizes, cash and to watch the catfish weigh in. This year’s event marked the 22nd annual tournament for the Berkeley County Rescue Squad. This is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of  the year . The money raised goes toward the general operation of the agency. Annually, the Berkeley Co. Rescue Squad responds to dozens of land searches, water searches and traffic accidents. They’ve been assisting the community since 1966 and volunteers hope to continue doing so for many more years to come. They are on call 24/7. Below, we’ve included some photos from Saturday’s event. Congratulations to all the winners! 1. THE WINNERS 2. HIS FISH WASN’T THE BIGGEST, BUT IT DEFINITELY WINS THE PRIZE FOR CUTEST. 3. A LARGE CROWD GATHERED TO WATCH THE CATFI