Fischer Rescue Squad, along with Fort Payne Fire Department, responded to Little River Canyon on Monday morning to aid the National Park Service with a rescue.

The call for assistance came at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Labor Day. A 19-year-old Hispanic male had slipped on some rocks at the basin of the falls near G. E. Hill Bridge on Alabama Highway 35. The man was reportedly in danger of drowning, as he did not know how to swim.

Fourteen volunteers from Fischer Rescue Squad joined forces with an equal number of responding fire fighters to set up a high-angle rope system to bring the man out of the canyon. They set up their rescue line about one-quarter mile from Highway 35 on County Road 176. At approximately 12 noon, the patient was at the top of the canyon and additional care was provided by DeKalb Ambulance Service, another agency that was on hand to help.



This is the thirteenth call Fischer Rescue Squad has received to provide rope rescue in the area this season. Tim Williams, Rescue Squad Captain, is pleased with the level of response his organization is able to provide. He says, “Thanks to all the volunteers on this holiday weekend. We were able to rescue the patient without any problems.”

It is likely that a group of rescue squad members will head to the Gulf Coast this week to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina