Some said it couldn't be done, many called it "Mission Impossible" but that didn't dampen the spirits of a small group of dedicated members of HOBO and the East Chilton Fire Department. Through their efforts, Lake Mitchell has an ingenious method of fighting fire and providing rescue. Effective May 29,1999,a fire/rescue boat was in service on Lake Mitchell and available to respond to all areas of the lake for fire or medical purposes. The boat was purchased and is supported by the Lake Mitchell Home Owners and Boat Owners association and is manned as an extension of East Chilton Volunteer Fire and Rescue. The boat can respond faster to certain remote areas of the lake than traditional fire/rescue equipment and is capable of functioning as primary response apparatus or as backup apparatus to land departments. East Chilton currently holds a class 8 ISO fire protection rating.
Lake Mitchell H.O.B.O.
EmergencyNumbers
Chilton County - 911
Coosa County
1-205-755-1120 or
205-755-1120
Was Marine 9 worth the effort?
You betcha! Ask young Will Miller of Birmingham. Marine 9 was placed in service May 29, 1999. On Labor Day 1999, Will Miller, 11, was seriously injured when he was involved in a personal watercraft crash. He was the first patient to benefit from the use of the then 4 month old fire/rescue boat on Lake Mitchell. Three Paramedics and six First Responders were at the scene in Coosa County with Marine 9 twelve minutes after dispatch. He was treated and stabilized at the scene of the accident and transported to an awaiting ambulance at Higgins Ferry Park and ultimately by helicopter to Children's Hospital for extensive surgery. Doctors indicated the prompt response and treatment and the availability of Marine 9 saved Will's leg, and possibly his life.
Ask the fisherman who was treated at the Higgin's Ferry boat landing. On March 25th, 2000 East Chilton Fire/Rescue responded to a call to Higgin's Ferry Park. A 60 year old fisherman suffered a major heart attack. The quick response by East Chilton has been attributed with saving his life. Thank you East Chilton for your service to our lake community. We appreciate you.
Unfortunately, Marine 9 was again put to the test on the morning of February 26, 2001, when lightning struck near a residence and set the house on fire. After a short delay in notification, Marine 9 was dispatched to the scene with 7 trained personnel on board, including and assistant chief, 2 captains and 4 firefighters. The responding team faced some of the worst conditions for a response on the lake including, a power outage and no utility power to lower Marine 9, torrential rainfall and vivid lightning. The emergency generator provided by HOBO was used to lower Marine 9. Even under these extreme circumstances, Marine 9 was on the scene within 23 minutes of notification.
The structure could not be saved but the fire was contained and adjacent exposures were protected. Richville Fire Department responded also and assumed control after the immediate situation was mitigated.
Dedicated to the memory of Wayne Hardy in
appreciation of his efforts in the securing of
the Lake Mitchell Fire/ Rescue operation.
Wayne Hardy
Boathouse
This page was last updated on: November 17, 2006
Marine 9 Response 2002
It's hard to believe, this is the 4th year Marine 9 has been operational and responding to fire & medical emergencies on Lake Mitchell. Thus far this year, Marine 9 has responded to the following:
January
17th, 11:04P.M.-1:45A.M-Structure fire on Walnut Creek Peninsula-18 minute response time.
February
12th, 11:00A.M.-Structure fire on Cargile Creek-2 nearby houses saved from fire- 19 minute response time.
May
22nd, 1:00P.M.-3:00P.M.-Woods fire & abandoned structure fire.
4th-9:30P.M.-11:25P.M-On the water for 4th of July activities.
July 4th,10:26A.M.-10:51A.M.-Water skiing accident on Bird Creek. Patient treated on the scene and transported by ambulance to Children's Hospital for surgery- 3 minute response time.
August 5-9:40A.M.-12:00P.M.-Structure fire north of Cove Branch-Adjacent house saved from fire-21 minute response time. First apparatus on scene.
It's hard to believe, this is the
Marine 9 Response---2003
2/19/03--7:00 p.m. M-9 Dispached to assist Verbena F. D. in locating a missing person. Victim was located in the water near her pier. Chilton County Sheriff's Department investigated.
4/2/03--M-9 dispatched to Cargile Creek to assist Forestry on woods fire. Three people responded i boat, two in grass truck.
6/28/03--M-9 responded to Mac McMillan's home on Pennamotley Creek. Mac had a severe cut on his leg and was transported to an awaiting ambulance at the Higgins Ferry launch. One paramedic and one EMT responded. Response was 12 minutes.
7/7/03--Responded to Walnut Creek peninsula on a 4-wheeler accident. Gap of the Mountain Rescue wan on the scene, no help was needed.
7/20/03--M-9 disparched to Fall Branch area for search for one adult and one child. Six firefighters responded. Missing were located safe.
