The historic flooding that struck Fishers and surrounding communities in August tested every part of the city’s emergency response system. In this special edition of the Larry In Fishers podcast, Mayor Scott Fadness joins Fire Chief Ky Ragsdale and Police Chief Ed Gebhart for an in-depth conversation about how city leaders prepared for and responded to the crisis.

The three discuss when they realized the flooding would become a record-setting event, how emergency decisions were made in real time, the difficult process of evacuating residents from flooded neighborhoods, and the teamwork that brought together police, fire, public works and other city departments. They also talk about the recovery effort, lessons learned and the long road ahead for residents whose homes suffered extensive damage.

The second half of the podcast takes listeners to the front lines of the emergency response. Fishers Police Major Mike Janes and Fishers Fire Battalion Chief Chad Abel describe what it was like conducting dangerous water rescues, the hazards hidden beneath floodwaters, and how specialized training helped first responders safely evacuate residents and their pets from rising water. They also share personal reflections on an operation unlike anything many of them had experienced in their careers.

Also deserving recognition are the volunteers of the Fishers Fire Corps, who provided food, drinks and logistical support for first responders working long hours throughout the emergency, allowing police officers, firefighters and rescue crews to remain focused on protecting lives.

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most significant emergency responses in Fishers history, told by the people who led it and those who carried out the rescues.

The LarryInFishers Podcast series is sponsored by Citizens State Bank

Listen at this link or the link below.