Anderson Firefighters Rescue 25 During Indiana Floods

When water, not fire, became the enemy in Anderson, Indiana, firefighters didn't hesitate to switch tactics.

The Anderson Fire Department rescued about 25 people from flooding homes and vehicles Thursday and Friday as the White River swelled beyond its banks. Chief Dave Cravens said his crews worked through day and night, navigating two rescue boats through neighborhoods across the city.

"We were running from one place to the next, and our people were getting worn out," Cravens said Saturday. "It was a long night. Probably about half the rescues were after dark."

The hardest part wasn't the water itself. Firefighters had to repeatedly load and unload boats from trailers to reach scattered rescue sites across Alexandria Pike, Park Place, and several flooded streets near the Madison Avenue Bridge.

Help arrived Friday morning in an unexpected form. The Indiana National Guard rolled in with large ATV vehicles that could drive directly through three to four feet of water while carrying up to 18 people. Firefighters paired their water rescue teams with the ATVs, pulling right up to flooded houses instead of launching boats each time.

State rescue teams from Carmel and West Lafayette joined the effort Friday, adding more hands to bring stranded residents to safety. The East Madison and South Madison fire territories also pitched in throughout the operation.

Why This Inspires

This rescue operation shows the power of preparation meeting the moment. Anderson's fire department trains year round for water emergencies, with over 20 firefighters certified in technical rescue and up to 10 certified divers conducting quarterly drills.

When disaster struck their community, they were ready. And when they needed help, neighboring departments and the National Guard answered without hesitation.

By Saturday morning, the urgent rescues had ended. Cravens and his team switched to checking on residents door to door, making sure everyone felt safe or had already evacuated.

With more rain falling Saturday, the team remained ready for whatever came next, proving that heroes don't just fight fires when their neighbors need them most.