Charlotte Firefighters Deploy to Kentucky Amid Historic Flooding

By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire   

In the early morning hours, 21 members of North Carolina Task Force Three, all men of women of Charlotte Fire, departed from the Charlotte Fire Center for All Hazards Resource and Operations to assist with rescue operations in southeastern Kentucky. Veteran Charlotte Fire Captain Jerry Rodgers is leading the team as the officer in charge, overseeing the deployment into a region overwhelmed by historic flooding and dangerous winter weather conditions.

Captain Jerry Rodgers speaks with Battalion Chief Josh Johnson as they finalize preparations for the deployment to Kentucky, ensuring all logistics and personnel are ready for the mission.  

The team is responding to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request initiated by North Carolina Emergency Management late Saturday evening. Kentucky officials called for additional help as torrential rainfall, followed by freezing temperatures, caused rivers to swell beyond capacity, submerging homes, stranding residents, and shutting down hundreds of roads.  

According to Division Chief Matt Westover, Charlotte Fire’s Special Operations Division was contacted at 5:30 p.m. Saturday with a preliminary notice of a possible deployment. Within hours, members of Task Force Three were placed on alert, ready to leave their families and daily assignments behind to respond to the disaster.

Task Force Three members double-check equipment, ensuring all necessary tools for swift water rescues and emergency operations are packed before heading into the disaster area.  

“This is what they do,” said Westover. “They’re willing to go into a known disaster area to help reduce the impact on someone else’s family. They’re already working long shifts, yet they say, ‘I’m willing to go another 14 days straight.’ That says a lot about who they are and the family support behind them.”  

By 7:00 a.m. Sunday, the team had reported to the Special Operations facility and began loading state-provided boat trailers, F-550 trucks, auxiliary equipment, and UTVs to provide off-road capabilities in case ground searches become necessary. At 9:00 a.m., the convoy rolled out, joining other task forces from Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Task Force Eleven en route to Kentucky.  

Upon arrival in Middlesboro, Kentucky, the Charlotte firefighters will step into a landscape transformed by nature’s fury. Heavy rains have already pushed water levels to historic highs, leading to over 300 road closures and numerous water rescues across the state. The combination of soaked soil and continued precipitation has made flash flooding a persistent threat, and now a winter storm is adding another layer of complexity.

Charlotte Firefighter Tawni Chambers listens intently during a pre-deployment briefing, preparing to assist communities in Kentucky facing devastating flood conditions.  

By midmorning Sunday, rain had turned into snow, and temperatures had plummeted. Over the next several days, lows are expected to dip into the teens, with wind chills making conditions even more treacherous for both residents and first responders.  

“This deployment isn’t just about water rescues,” Westover explained. “With the extreme cold setting in, the conditions are going to be brutal. If people are stranded, they’re facing a life-threatening situation not just from flooding but from exposure to freezing temperatures.” 

Crews coordinate final field communications before deployment, ensuring their swift water rescue equipment and response plans are ready for the mission in Kentucky.  

According to forecasts, southeastern Kentucky will see several inches of snow and temperatures dropping as low as 11 degrees Fahrenheit. The added threat of ice accumulation could further complicate rescue efforts, potentially knocking out power to affected areas and increasing the urgency for emergency response teams like Charlotte’s.  

At the helm of this mission is Captain Jerry Rodgers, a seasoned Charlotte Fire officer with years of experience in disaster response. Rodgers has led numerous deployments, including previous flooding events in the Carolinas and major hurricanes along the East Coast.

Captain Jerry Rodgers and Task Force Three members discuss strategy before hitting the road for a two-week deployment in Kentucky’s flood-impacted areas.  

“Captain Rodgers’ leadership is invaluable in situations like this,” said Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson. “He knows how to navigate these chaotic environments and ensure that his team stays focused, safe, and effective. The work they do is heroic, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”  

Chief Johnson emphasized the critical role these firefighters play in national disaster response efforts.  

“When people think of firefighters, they think of fires,” he said. “But the reality is that these teams are trained for so much more. Whether it’s flood rescues, collapsed structures, or emergency evacuations, they step up in the worst situations and help save lives.”

A Charlotte firefighter packs gear under the American flag at the Charlotte Fire Center for All Hazards Resource and Operations, symbolizing the dedication of first responders heading into emergency zones.  

Deployments like this require careful coordination, not just among first responders but also within their families and at the department level. When 21 firefighters leave for a two-week mission, it requires adjustments back home.  

“There’s a huge impact,” Westover said. “These firefighters have families, responsibilities, and commitments outside the job. When they get that call, they have to quickly rearrange their lives and make sure everything at home is squared away before they head out. That’s a heavy lift for them and for the loved ones who support them.”

Firefighters Andrew Graham, Dustin Reynolds, and Hector Rivera are all experiencing their first deployment with North Carolina Task Force Three, ready to serve and protect in Kentucky’s disaster response efforts.  

The Charlotte Fire Department also adjusts its operations to ensure that local fire stations remain fully staffed. Shift changes, overtime adjustments, and backup personnel all come into play to maintain coverage in the Queen City while a portion of the department is deployed elsewhere.

A firefighter from Charlotte Fire’s Task Force Three loads critical gear, preparing for a two-week deployment into flooded and winter-stricken Kentucky communities.  

Charlotte’s swift water team will join other North Carolina teams already arriving in Kentucky to provide search and rescue assistance. Their equipment includes specialized rescue boats, life safety ropes, dry suits, and sonar technology to locate individuals trapped by rising floodwaters.  

The situation remains fluid, and once the team arrives, they will integrate into the larger emergency management response efforts being coordinated at the state level. If water rescues are not the immediate priority, they will be prepared to assist in ground searches, debris removal, and community stabilization efforts.

Members of North Carolina Task Force Three receive a final briefing before deploying to Kentucky, where they will provide critical water rescue and emergency response support.  

As the convoy rolled out Sunday morning, firefighters exchanged handshakes and hugs with colleagues and family members before heading into an uncertain and dangerous mission. For Chief Johnson, this moment was a testament to the dedication and bravery that defines Charlotte Fire.  

“The courage, skill, and selflessness these men and women show day in and day out—it’s remarkable,” Johnson said. “They don’t hesitate. They go where they’re needed, no matter the conditions, no matter the risk. And they represent Charlotte with honor every step of the way.”  

The coming days will test the resilience of the Charlotte firefighters on the ground in Kentucky. But if history is any indicator, they will meet the challenge head-on—just as they always have.  

Charlotte Fire Task Force Three members make final preparations and coordinate logistics before departing for Kentucky to assist with flood response efforts.