MORGANTON - Members of emergency services worked long and hard amidst flooding Wednesday. Some had been working for more than 30 hours when relief arrived late Wednesday.
The South Orange Technical Rescue team from Chapel Hill and the Reds Rescue team out of Garner were called in for assistance.

"We are listed with the state as a level two swift water rescue team," said Operations Capt. Matthew Mauzey. "We can be deployed anywhere in the state."

Mauzey added that state management called the team Tuesday night to relieve and supplement local emergency resources.

"We back them up and provide help where needed," Mauzey said.

The American Red Cross and Emergency Management made arrangements for the teams to stay at the Morganton Recreation Center Wednesday night.

"We are thankful for the facilities, refreshments and food the Red Cross and Emergency Management have provided," said Bo Medlin, water operations captain for the Reds.

The teams, comprised solely of volunteers, took leave from both work and school to help out.

Mauzey said their team was first sent to Hickory and then on to Morganton Wednesday evening.

"We expect to get our assignment at 7 a.m. Thursday," Mauzey said.

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