Story by BG Smith and Photos by Dian Lawhon.
Recently, Polk County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) asked TVCC if we could provide them a boat to help with their search and rescue efforts. They currently have a small Jon boat, but it could not get into the upper parts of the Ocoee river and its tributaries.
When Phyllis Williams, a long-time paddler with the Flatwater group, learned of this need, she quickly stepped in to donate a very nice Sea Eagle inflatable and even included the paddles. The boat was delivered on March 10th to Mr. Richard Taylor, Chief of the Polk County EMA.
Richard stated how grateful they were to receive this boat and how blessed they are to have made the acquaintance of TVCC. For several years, they have been trying to fund the purchase of a boat like this, but higher priorities kept taking precedence. The tornadoes last November devastated their budget and they have since struggled to help their county and replenish their own capabilities damaged by the storm.
Thanks much Phyllis! TVCC really appreciates your generosity and substantial donation to this worthy cause.