Operation Mountain Rescue!

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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA - Photographer Patrick Schneider was embedded with special operations units that have been operating in western North Carolina, dealing with the remnants of Hurricane Frances and Ivan.

Schneider, a photojournalist with the Charlotte Observer, was embedded with Charlotte's USAR NC Task Force 3. The team was pre-deployed to Hickory for both storms. Patrick was able to document the rescues and destruction while it was happening. His images bring home the severity of the situation, and lend honor to the heroic efforts of the emergency responders.

The CFD is proud of its working relationship with the media. Charlotte Fire is fortunate to have the services of a world class photojournalist to capture the images of nature at its worst, and mankind at its best.

We are grateful to present his images here.

Visit here for more information on Charlottte's USAR Team.

Special Note: The gentleman pictured below is a volunteer firefighter in Macon County. He was at the station to respond to emergencies when the incident in Peeks Creek took place. In the mountain slide, he lost his son and mother-in-law. His pregnant wife had to have her leg amputated, lost the baby, and is in the hospital in critical condition.