WCFR Water Response Program supported by two local river outfitter businesses

The Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services recently accepted a donation of four kayaks to assist the Departments Water Rescue Program. The generous donations were made by both Downriver Canoe Company, located in Bentonville, and by Front Royal Outdoors, located just outside of Front Royal on Stonewall Jackson Highway.

Warren County Fire Chief Bonzano, Captain Joey Jock, Lieutenant Andrew Levdahl, Owner of Down River Canoe Company John Gibson, Firefighter George Lewis and Firefighter Jared Lewis.

“With dramatic increase in tourism to our wonderful Shenandoah River due to the COVID Pandemic, Warren County Fire and Rescue has seen an increase in the number of non-traditional water rescue type incidents” stated Firefighter/Water Rescue Specialist George Lewis Jr. “These incidents often occur when water levels are at a low stage, making the traditional use of motorized watercraft unsuccessful. “Due to fluctuations in water levels, normal rescue boats and rafts cannot navigate the shallow waters. The only means for searching the river is by low volume boats such as Kayaks” continued Firefighter Lewis.

Upon hearing the challenges facing rescuers, both John Gibson at Downriver Canoe Company and Don Roberts’ at Front Royal Outdoors immediately offered assistance by donating four sit on top style kayaks.

“The Department of Fire and Rescue will strategically position these assets to best serve our community” stated Fire Chief James Bonzano. “These generous donations will enable our emergency responders to navigate and conduct river searches during low water levels safely and efficiently” continued Chief Bonzano.

Warren County Fire Chief Bonzano, Captain Joey Jock, Owner of Front Royal Outdoors Don Roberts and Firefighter George Lewis.

For more information on our water response program, visit www.warrencountyfire.com or call 540-636-3830.