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Raging Creek Sweeps Away Escambia District Fire Chief
May 2, 2014
The rescuer became the rescued during our historic flooding as an Escambia Fire Rescue district chief and his vehicle were swept away by a raging creek.
Beulah volunteer District Chief Steve McNair responded to possible water rescue and the report of a submerged car during the early hours of Wednesday morning. As he approached 11 Mile Creek on Nine Mile Road, his county SUV was rapidly swept away a few hundred feet into the woods.
The radio call went out that 201, McNair’s radio call sign, had been swept away by the raging flood waters.
“It happened fast,” McNair said Thursday afternoon. “I was in the vehicle under the water. I knew I had to remain calm and do the right thing. I got out and managed to get a hold of a tree and hang on.”
A firefighter spotted McNair clinging to the tree as the water rushed by from the rising creek. Other first responders in the area not on life-threatening calls made their way toward the creek, as dispatchers worked to find them routes that were not flooded.
A watercraft arrived on the scene, and Escambia firefighters fought the raging to creek to reach and rescue him from the tree.
“It was 100 percent the Lord,” McNair said. “There’s no other way I would have survived. I give Him all the credit for the great job done by the firemen.”
After a quick check from Escambia County EMS, McNair was on duty again, the rescued back at work as the rescuer.
Pictured top and inset: The aftermath for the vehicle of Escambia County Beulah District Chief Steve McNair. Pictured below: McNair looks over the vehicle after it was pulled from the woods Thursday. Pictured below: McNair’s vehicle in the woods, marked by an arrow. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Comments
23 Responses to “Raging Creek Sweeps Away Escambia District Fire Chief”
Wow! So glad that you are OK. You’ve been keeping us all safe out here in Beulah for many, many years. Thank you!!
I know Steve has looked out for God’s people in and around Beulah for many years. So glad our Father looked out for Steve that night we all need him here in Beulah !
Glad you’re ok! God is good!
Thank you, Lord for keeping your arms around Chief. Steve..
I know he has dedicated many years to the dept. and am not surprised he continued to help where he was needed.
Gods blessings to all the depts. for the work they have done in the past few days and in the past.
We are former neighbors and know Steve has been in the fire dept. many years.
Thank you, LORD for taking care of a fine dedicated man , so he can continue to do his job.
Glad your OK Chief God took care of you!
So glad you are ok Uncle Steve and thanking God you were covered by His protection and to all of the first responders like you who work so hard for our community a heart filled THANK YOU
I’m so glad that you are okay, Steve…and that you are giving glory to God for saving your life. Thank you for your service to Beulah community and to Escambia County. Love and hugs Brother!
>>What happened to the people in the white car?
It was a happy ending…we’ll have their story over the weekend on NorthEscambia.com
Glad your ok Uncle Steve Love You Good Job you guys do out there.
Glad your ok Steve GOD is good
So proud of our family member Steve McNair and his service to our community! A true hero! Thank God for protecting him! And thank you to those who helped rescue him! Our family is grateful!
Looks like a hell of a ride glad ur OK WILD MAN COX
To God Be the Glory…. So glad God’s hand was over you that day…
Thank God for the ones who rush in when others are fleeing and that this ended well. Some people are paid to help, others are not but it’s their hearts that lead them to assist in any crisis. We thank all of you for you endless help in our area and more. This is an example of how these people put their own lives at risk every day trying to save people in emergencies.
Glad your ok steve, just kinda surprised this happened to you, you usually don’t let yourself get caught up in the moment so much you put your life at risk, but i guess it can happen to the best of us. once again, I’m glad your safe.
We love you Steve! You have done so much for our family and the Beulah community throughout the years! The Lord knew that we would be lost without you so he allowed you to stay!! Thank Heaven about for that!!
What happened to the people in the white car?
Giving thanks you and the others are safe.
So often we citizens take for granted the heroic efforts you First Responders make on our behalf.
Many times I’ve seen a firetruck or ambulance race past and thought, “Thank God that is not me they are going to.”
Thanks to each and Every of you who so willingly put your safety and lives on the line. You are true Humanitarians and Heroes.
I am so thankful that my Uncle is still with us , God was really watching over him <3
So glad you are ok.. Thanks to all our First Responders.. May God Bless you all and keep you safe.
Glad you are safe. And thank you to all the responders in the local areas. When we need you, you are always there. God Bless and be safe!
Wow brother Steve, so glad that you are ok and safe. God had his angels around you.