The Claiborne County Rescue Squad was called to assist in the search for Oak Ridge firefighter Herbert Freshour. He disappeared sometime after 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and is presumed drowned. The 28-year veteran of the Oak Ridge Fire Department left his Lenoir City home early that morning to search for arrowheads along the river.

The Claiborne Rescue Squad dispatched two drag boats and ten members on Wednesday and dispatch two drag boats and seven members on Thursday, Dec. 29th, to help with the search. More than 14 agencies have been involved in the efforts throughout the search and agencies continue to send volunteers. Captain David Short said that the Claiborne Rescue Squad would continue to help in the search until Freshour is located. Short said that providing mutual aid to another county did not affect the squad's coverage for Claiborne County.

The Claiborne County Rescue Squad ensures that sufficient manpower and equipment remains within the county at all times to respond to any possible emergency. Short said that the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads (TARS) has an excellent mutual aid system in place, so when one squad needs help, others respond. Short said the Claiborne Rescue Squad has been on both sides of the fence.

"We've assisted six or seven other county squads this year and we've had to call for help here in Claiborne County this year. When you need help in a search and recovery mission, it's sure nice to see the convoys of emergency vehicles and boats arrive."

Claiborne County is located in TARS Region II. There are a total of 16 counties in Region II.

The Claiborne County Rescue Squad is a non-paid volunteer agency who operates on donations. Anyone wishing to make donations may mail donations to the Claiborne County Rescue Squad, PO Box 912, Tazewell, TN 37879. In case of an emergency call 911.