Jonesboro city officials continue to assess the response after record rainfall pounded Jonesboro Tuesday night. Over six inches of rain fell in a few hours, leading to hundreds of calls to 911, dozens of vehicles being stranded, 56 people being evacuated out of homes and led to shelter, 18 streets flooded out, and a 13-year-old boy being saved from rushing water. In a press conference, Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin says he has been talking with other officials about the response to Tuesday’s storms and will continue to hold meetings.
Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliot and Assistant Fire Chief Allen Dunn say that a majority of their force and all fire stations worked hard to keep citizens safe. They say that all off-duty responders also joined in during Tuesday's response. Elliot says a recognition ceremony was held for the two officers who were able to save the 13-year-old boy Tuesday. Those officers were Sgt. Trey Dupuy and Cpl. Jason Chester.
Director of the Jonesboro’s E911 Jeff Presley says E911 had 6 workers taking in over 300 calls. While he says the response was great, he says they are working to make improvements and will be looking for ways to respond in future disasters.
Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin says officials will continue to assess what happened and make improvements to response. He says this is important as officials with the National Weather Service say trends show that more of this type of weather is expected to take place.
