PRESS RELEASE

Surry County Emergency Services Officials Express Their Thanks

             During a recent meeting of the Surry County Emergency Services staff recapping the response of the county to Hurricane Irene which affected our area on August 26^th, one theme came out loud and clear.  Everyone present praised the efforts of the Claremont, Dendron and Surry Volunteer Fire Departments, Surry County Rescue Squad and concerned citizens.  Sherriff Alvin Clayton shared an incident when he called dispatch to report a downed tree across a road; before a deputy could respond, neighbors had already cleared the road.  This was only one example of the numerous actions repeated over and over by the caring and compassionate citizens of Surry County.  Deputy Emergency Services Coordinator, Mr. Ervin Jones said that Red Cross personnel were overwhelmed by the calm nature and sincere appreciation expressed by citizens served with hot meals.

             Although Surry County did not sustain the level of damage officials had anticipated, there were damages to some homes and other personal property.  The resilience of those effected were true signs of character as they seemed to uplift others at the Emergency Evacuation Center.  "I am proud of the positive nature everyone embraced during this weather event." said Tyrone Franklin, Surry County Administrator.  Mr. Franklin continued, "We sustained some damage, but we are thankful there was no loss of life.  Most importantly, we need to say thank you to our county emergency responders and the Sherriff's Department, VDOT, Prince George Electric and Dominion Virginia Power crews, and county residents for their tremendous help during this storm!"