Mahopac Falls Dive Team assists in flood rescue of trapped family 

The Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department (MFVFD) Dive Team was among several emergency agencies that helped rescue a family trapped by fast-moving floodwaters Wednesday morning, July 29, after heavy rain inundated a home in the town of Philipstown. 

The dive team was requested at about 8:30 a.m. to provide mutual aid to the North Highlands Engine Co. No. 1 for what was initially reported as a swift-water rescue on Route 9. 

When first responders arrived, they found floodwaters had surrounded the home and cut off all access, leaving the residents unable to evacuate safely. Because of the swift-moving water, rescuers used a front-end loader supplied by the Philipstown Highway Department to reach the residence and bring the family to safety. 

The Mahopac Falls Dive Team responded with specialized personnel and equipment to assist the operation, working alongside North Highlands firefighters and other local and state emergency responders. 

A New York State Swift Water Rescue Team was also dispatched but was canceled while en route after the family had been safely evacuated. 

No injuries were reported. 

North Highlands Engine Co. No. 1 credited the coordinated response of numerous agencies with bringing the incident to a safe conclusion. 

Also responding were Putnam County Car 2, Putnam County Battalion 19, the Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Putnam Medic 1, the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department, the Carmel Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, the New York State Police and the Philipstown Highway Department. 

In a statement, the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department said it was grateful for the opportunity to assist neighboring departments, noting that mutual aid ensures communities have access to specialized resources during complex emergencies.