From Staff Reports
The Montgomery Herald
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A Glasgow firefighter is presumed dead after a swift water rescue mission in Raleigh County during last weekend’s flooding. Donald Adkins, 32, went missing when the boat he and fellow Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department personnel were in capsized as they attempted to lend aid to families hit by major flooding in the Beaver area. Authorities changed their rescue mission to a recovery mission earlier this week. Adkins’ body hadn’t been found as of press time. Searchers had, however, reportedly found his life jacket. In a press release, Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper mourned Adkins’ presumed death. “On behalf of the Kanawha County Commission, I express our deepest sympathies and mourning of the loss of Glasgow firefighter Donald Adkins,” Carper said. “Adkins served his fire department through selfless acts and great dedication, and the community will be forever indebted to him. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow firefighters during this time of mourning.” At the request of the state fire marshal’s office through the W.Va. Emergency Operations Center, the Glasgow department had assisted the Raleigh County Fire Department in 13 water rescues early Saturday. On another rescue attempt, the boat capsized and Adkins was swept into the water. Gov. Joe Manchin said Saturday that Adkins was part of a swift water rescue team working in the Beaver area. He and two others were in a boat when the motor struck a piece of submerged material. The governor said the motor’s power went out and the boat drifted away and capsized. The other two team members made it to safety. Carper said members of the Glasgow department were properly trained for such rescue missions. Calling the department “well-managed, well-trained and well-organized,” he said, “The individuals involved in the rescue missions (including Adkins) were trained and had the appropriate equipment to accomplish their missions. Swift water rescue is an inherently dangerous act and this tragic event was the result of circumstances beyond the control of the rescuers.” Adkins had served in the fire department for about three years.