In a collaborative effort to enhance disaster preparedness, the Ohio Military Reserve (OHMR) joined forces with The Wellsville Fire Department, and other local emergency responders in Wellsville for a training exercise focused on constructing a flood wall. This event, held behind The Stephenson Manufacturing Company at the intersection of Second and Broadway streets, marked a first-time experience for many participants in handling this specific type of flood defense mechanism. Wellsville Fire Chief Barry Podwel emphasized the importance of such training, noting that although the flood walls haven’t been needed recently, it is crucial for responders to be proficient in erecting them swiftly in case of an emergency. The exercise also included an educational component, where Podwel introduced the OHMR to various flood wall locations and pump stations, underlining their significance in flood management.
Captain Dan Sutlift of the OHMR explained that their involvement in the exercise was part of their commitment to supporting communities during disasters like floods. The training not only served as practical experience for the participants but also reinforced the collaborative spirit between the state’s military reserve and local emergency services. This initiative underscores the proactive measures taken by both the OHMR and the Wellsville Fire Department in ensuring readiness for potential flood scenarios, as evidenced by their previous training on the Main Flood Gate at First and Lisbon Streets in April.
Emergency responders train at Wellsville Flood Wall
Members of the Wellsville Fire Department, Highlandtown Volunteer Fire Department and The Ohio Military Reserve work to place beams during a training on putting up the flood Wall. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)
WELLSVILLE –Members of the Wellsville Fire Department, Highlandtown Volunteer Fire Department and The Ohio Military Reserve and the Columbiana County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) gathered Saturday morning at the flood wall for a training on putting up the flood.
Training was held behind The Stephenson Manufacturing
Company at the intersection of Second and Broadway streets
According to Wellsville Fire Chief Barry Podwel it was the first time for many of those present to train on this flood wall.
Capt. Dan Sutlift, OHMR (Ohio Military Reserve said his group was there in order to practice and to train in order to support communities in times of disaster such as flooding.
Sutlift said the OHMR is a part of the state defense force of Ohio. It is an all-volunteer force operating under the authority of the governor and the Ohio State Constitution Disaster Relief Force.
Wellsville Assistant Fire Chief Cody Cole discussed assembling the flood wall with Skid Steerer operator and owner of Prime Towing during a training at the flood Wall. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)
Prior to the flood training, Podwel showed the OHMR other flood wall locations and pump stations to explain their importance.
Podwel even though the flood walls have not needed to be erected for quite some time believes the firefighter should train periodically and all of them should have the know-how for quickly getting them up in the event they were to be needed. The Wellsville Fire Department trained on the Main Flood Gate on the bridge at First and Lisbon Streets back in April.
Wellsville Firefighter Brad Osborne explained the procedure for putting up the flood wall to Tony Mason, Ohio Military Reserve who was at the training to learn about the flood walls. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)
Corp. Mike Wills, Ohio Military Reserve and Wellsville Firefighter Josh Cataldo guided a flood wall beam into place. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)
Ryan Pugh owner of Prime Towing operated a skid steerer provided by his company to move the beams for the flood wall during a training on putting up the flood wall. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)
Members of the Wellsville Fire Department, Highlandtown Volunteer Fire Department and The Ohio Military Reserve stand in front of the completed flood wall Saturday following a training on how to put it up. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)
Source: Morning Journal
