8 Texas Firefighters Win Top Award for Flood Rescues
Eight Longview firefighters received one of the most prestigious honors in water rescue for their heroic work during deadly Texas floods last summer. Their 15-day deployment saved lives across the Hill Country.
When catastrophic floods swept through the Texas Hill Country in July 2025, eight firefighters from Longview answered the call and spent over two weeks pulling people to safety.
The Longview Fire Department's water rescue team received the Higgins & Langley Memorial Award last Thursday at the Oklahoma Swiftwater Rescue Conference in Oklahoma City. The honor recognizes the highest levels of excellence in rescue operations, preparedness, and teamwork.
The team deployed with Texas Task Force 1 to Kerrville on July 2, 2025, as floodwaters turned deadly across the region. For 15 straight days, they worked alongside fellow Task Force 1 personnel and rescuers from across Texas, navigating swift currents and dangerous conditions to reach stranded residents.
Battalion Chiefs Tommy Daniel and Ryan Howard led the team, joined by Captain Shayne Rust, Lieutenant Tim Clanton, Drivers Joshua Meenach, Brian Pfau, and Brian Woodrum, and Firefighter Cliff Patrick. Each member brought specialized training in swift water rescue, skills honed through countless hours of preparation.
The Ripple Effect
The recognition highlights something bigger than one department's achievement. These firefighters represent a statewide network of rescuers who train together and deploy wherever disaster strikes, creating a safety net that extends far beyond city limits.
When Longview's team traveled nearly 300 miles to the Hill Country, they joined forces with rescuers from across Texas, demonstrating how communities support each other in crisis. The collaboration saved lives and gave flood victims hope when they needed it most.
The Longview Fire Department emphasized that the award reflects the dedication these firefighters show every day, training for moments when their skills become the difference between life and death. That commitment to constant preparation means when disaster strikes anywhere in Texas, help is already trained and ready to respond.
These eight heroes show up, put in the work, and stand ready to save lives whenever the call comes.
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Based on reporting by Google News - Firefighter Rescues
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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