Forest Fridays: PEMA and DCNR Incident Management Team Respond to Flooding in Tioga County – Technologist

By: Ryan Reed

The worst of the remnants of Hurricane Debby passed through Pennsylvania on Friday, August 9, 2024. Although much of the Commonwealth received some much-needed rain, other areas received too much in too short a time. Such was the case in the Cowanesque Valley in northern Tioga County, where four to six inches of rain triggered massive flooding, wiping out homes, businesses, and turning life upside down for many in the town of Westfield (population approximately 1,200).

The crisis spurred response from PEMA and DCNR’s Incident Management Team (IMT), which arrived on August 13. IMT members Dan DiCamillo and Joe Engle described losses as “devastating… some have lost everything.” Dan and Joe characterized current efforts mostly dedicated to debris removal and clean up; a nearby industrial site has served as a temporary staging site for over 1,200 tons of debris, all transported by a steady parade of truck traffic.

During the active flood event, swift-water rescues and home evacuations by boat were necessary. One missing person is yet to be found. Despite all the loss, the collective response has been heartening, including broad collaboration and generous contributions of PEMA, the National Guard, the IMT, community groups, churches, the Salvation Army, and others. Under the leadership of Incident Commander Brian Plume and Incident Commander Trainee Jeremy Hamilton, the IMT serves mostly in a coordinating role from a command center. Engle described the teamwork and efficiency as a “well-oiled machine.”

For most responders, work in Westfield involves a certain level of sacrifice. Most are away from their families for extended periods, confronted with heartbreaking and often dangerous conditions. When asked why they do it, bureau responders cite the urge to make best use of their extensive training and readiness, and a profound sense of duty to help their fellow Pennsylvanians.

When the well-known TV personality and PA native, Fred (“Mr.”) Rogers asked his mom about scary happenings in the news, he related that his mom said, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

His message captures the spirit of our incident responders. When crisis strikes, courageous and selfless leaders step up. We are especially proud of our DCNR Bureau of Forestry IMT responders and acknowledge their considerable positive impact on the community of Westfield. Your commitment to advanced training, readiness, and your fellow Pennsylvanians at large, is commendable. On behalf of your colleagues and the grateful community members in Tioga County, we say: Thank You! You make us proud!

Please see the article below to find out how you can help:
How you can help Tioga County, PA, residents impacted by flooding (mytwintiers.com)

Forest Fridays is a project of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry. Photo courtesy of Bureau of Forestry.