Heavy rain causes flash flooding in Bethlehem Township.
 
By Firefighter Edward Kronmuller Jr
July 25, 2011
 

On Monday, July 25th at approximately 1400hrs., strong storms passed through the valley causing torrential downpours and flash flooding. At around 1630hrs., fire station 14 and 17 units were dispatched for flooding conditions at the intersection of Easton Avenue and Willow Park Road. Squad 1412 arrived first and Captain Michael Lenner advised of one car in the water on Easton Avenue and another on Willow Park Road. The drivers of both vehicles were trapped inside. Captain Lenner immediately requested a full response from both companies for a water rescue. The Squad's crew immediately began setting up rigging and taglines for the rescue of the victim in the vehicle on Easton Avenue as it appeared to be the priority with water already over the vehicle's hood. Lieutenant Daniel Rivera was the first rescuer in the water and made initial contact with the driver of the Volvo. Lieutenant Rivera immediately recognized the need for a second rescuer. Firefighter/EMT Matt Kronmuller then entered the water to assist Lieutenant Rivera with the water rescue. Both rescuers assisted the victim out of the flood waters to a safe location. The driver was transported to an area hospital by Bethlehem Township EMS. At the same time Tower Ladder 1421 rescued a separate individual caught in the same flood waters on Willow Park Road. The Tower Ladder was able to drive up to the second vehicle and the occupant was able to climb out of his vehicle and into the fire apparatus. All on scene performed exceptionally well and there were no injuries related to the water rescues.

 
Units: Squad 1412, Special Operations 1442, Rescue 1741