09/18/2026
Yesterday at N.J. Fire Convention Deputy Chief Brian C. Wahler, Firefighter My Do, along with members of River Road Fire Company & Possumtown Volunteer Fire Company, were honored with a Unit Citation Award for their courageous actions that helped save a life last year on July 14th during a water rescue on Possumtown Road.
During a severe flash-flooding storm, an approximately 75-year-old man became trapped in his vehicle beneath the Possumtown Road bridge as rapidly rising water surrounded his vehicle. With the floodwaters continuing to rise, the man climbed onto the roof of his minivan for safety.
The swiftwater rescue crew consisting of FF Do, Ex-Chief Schulack, Captain Wahler & LT Williams. The crew deployed a rescue boat and began making their way through waist-deep floodwaters toward the victim. FF Do & Schulack relocated the rescue truck to a better access location. As conditions deteriorated and progress became difficult, Captain Wahler requested a second boat, but Command advised that all other available boats were committed to other rescues.
The boat crew (Cpt. Wahler, LT. Williams) continued forward, at one point dragging the rescue boat over higher ground with assistance from a police officer before returning to the flooded roadway. Near the railroad bridge, floodwaters had risen to the tops of vehicle roofs.
The victim was located standing on only a small exposed portion of his minivan roof, approximately 2 feet by 2 feet, with the remainder of the vehicle submerged.
Ex-Chief Rob Gorr, positioned on the nearby railroad tracks, assisted in locating the victim and stood by with a rope bag as a last resort.
Captain Wahler & Lieutenant Williams maneuvered the rescue boat alongside the submerged vehicle and successfully removed the victim from the roof. The team then paddled back through the floodwaters to a safer, elevated area.
The victim reported that he had been standing on top of his vehicle for several hours and was extremely fatigued, but remained alert. He was then transported by EMS.
This Unit Citation recognizes the teamwork, courage, perseverance, and commitment to protecting our community demonstrated by everyone involved in this rescue. Thank you to N.J. Fire Chief Association for recognizing us.