Heroic Actions of Tennessee Trooper During Hurricane Helene Flooding

Heroic Actions of Tennessee Trooper During Hurricane Helene Flooding

During the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Helene, a Tennessee state trooper displayed remarkable bravery. Video footage captured Trooper Hannah Smathers as she performed a heroic rescue amidst the chaos.

Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent and the director of communications for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, shared Trooper Smathers’ courageous actions with Fox News Digital. He emphasized the daring nature of her response during this natural disaster.

While wrapping up a crash report from her last shift, Trooper Smathers received a call from dispatch. The authorities needed assistance in evaluating the flooding on local roadways. Remembering the urgency of such requests during inclement weather, Smathers quickly headed to Spivey Mountain Road.

Initially, the conditions seemed manageable, but the situation deteriorated rapidly. Smathers recalled, “I was seeing it firsthand. The creek had started rising and was quickly moving onto the roadway.” As floodwaters surged around her patrol vehicle, her calm demeanor stood out.

Pack noted that Smathers remained composed during these distressing moments. Instead of panicking, she radioed for assistance and awaited help. Once she was secure, her instinct to keep working kicked in.

After helping two pedestrians escape the rising waters and attempting to assist a stranded driver, Smathers found herself trapped by the swelling flood. “There was no way forward and no way back,” she stated in reflection. Without hesitation, she reported her status and waited for help.

The water rescue team instructed her to remove her ballistic vest and duty belt, tossing her a rope to pull her out of the flooded area. Smathers recounted, “I had to take off my vest, my belt—everything. They threw me a lifejacket and a rope. But there was no harness. If I let go of that rope, I was going with the water.”

Upon exiting her patrol car, the force of the current swept Smathers off her feet. She described the moment vividly, saying, “The second I stepped away from my car, my feet were swept out from under me. I went underwater, but I held onto the rope. That was my only chance.”

After gathering herself and ensuring her safety, Smathers quickly sprang back into action despite being soaked and muddy. She encountered another driver who had suffered an injury, stating, “Once I got out, I saw another driver had broken his ankle, so I helped carry him to safety too.”

For the following 18 hours, Smathers stayed on duty, demonstrating remarkable dedication despite the ordeal she had just endured. She explained that her actions stemmed from a deep commitment to helping others. “What I went through was nothing compared to what some people lost that day,” she added.

Smathers expressed the essence of her role, stating, “I know sometimes it sounds cliché when people say they just want to help others. But that’s really what this job is about. Helping people. Making sure they’re safe. That’s all I was trying to do that day.”

Col. Matt Perry, representing the Tennessee Highway Patrol, highlighted Smathers’ response as a testament to the qualities expected from troopers. He stated, “Trooper Smathers showed exactly what we expect from the Highway Patrol troopers – calm under pressure and a heart for service. She didn’t ask for attention. She just got the job done.”

The Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Jeff Long, also acknowledged Smathers’ actions, pointing out that they reflect what troopers accomplish every day, often without public recognition. Long emphasized, “What Trooper Smathers did that day exemplifies the dedication our state troopers bring to their communities. She showed courage, humility, and heart. Whether in a flood, a crash scene, or a routine patrol, our troopers are out there every day making Tennessee safer.”

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the region, causing billions of dollars in damage. The storm devastated homes, farms, and critical infrastructure, leading to road, bridge, and power line destruction. Many highways connecting North Carolina and Tennessee have faced closures since the late September disaster.

As a result, over 100 lives were lost in North Carolina alone, with the total death toll exceeding 230 across six states, including South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. These tragic figures underscore the severity of Hurricane Helene’s impact on communities across the South.

This story not only highlights the heroic actions of Trooper Smathers but also reinforces the essential role of law enforcement officers during emergencies. Their unwavering commitment to public service shines through, especially in times of need.