I know this is continuing the off topic
thread....
As many of you may have seen on the news this week Richmond,
VA got hit with Tropical Storm Gaston on Monday. The streets of downtown
Richmond turned into raging rivers when 12" of rain were dumped on the city
during just a few hour period. Lives were lost, businesses destroyed, and
many many lots of parked cars turned into worthless heaps. I was surprised
when I got the email below that announced that our Police Horse stable was
caught up in this and thought I would share. You don't have to be in
Florida to have a healthy respect for these east coast storms.
Sally Aungier
Virginia
POLICE STABLES AND HORSES AFFECTED BY RICHMOND FLOOD
In
the wake of Monday's torrential rains and flooding affecting most severely
Richmond's Shockoe Bottom and the Falling Creek basin area, other low-lying
areas which are receptacles for runoff have also been severely affected.
One such area is the Richmond Mounted Police Stables located on Brook Road under
the I-95 underpass.
Police arrived at the stables to find all seven
horses of the squad in their stalls in chest high water. The barn cat was
perched on a floating bale of hay. Horses were safely removed in spite
of swift moving water and everything else involved with the storm (heavy rain,
lack of lights). They are currently being safehoused at a farm in Hanover
County, the owners of which have kindly taken the horses in and are looking
after their needs until the stables are safe for the horses' return.
The
stables will require extensive cleaning and reclamation; much of the tack and
officers' personal possessions have been damaged but may be saved through
cleaning and restoration. Other items (computer, washer, dryer) as well as
documents and historic photos are destroyed.
The Friends of the Richmond
Mounted Squad is a civilian support group that has provided fundraising support
over the years to augment funding received through the city's budget. It
is anticipated these needs will significantly increase in the wake of the
flood. The Friends are also seeking assistance in the cleanup
effort.
The Richmond Police Mounted Squad is an effective and highly
visible law enforcement unit. Most recently the Richmond Police Mounted
Squad have been a visible presence in Shockoe Bottom's late night club
district.
For information please contact. Sgt. Eric Bardon, Officer in
Charge Home: 804/741-8010 Pager: 1/866/259-8982
