To the rescue: CTEH’s Henry Pelitire

Over the past week, Louisiana has been hit with record levels of rainfall and flooding in the worst natural disaster in the U.S. since Superstorm Sandy. According to multiple news sources, there have been 11 deaths; 30,000 evacuations and rescues; and more than 40,000 homes destroyed.

Throughout this time of crisis, many good Samaritans have stepped up to help their neighborhoods in need. Take Henry Pelitire, a CTEH major projects team consultant and Baton Rouge native, as an example. When his sister called him at 5 a.m. on Monday to tell him their old neighborhood was going under water, Henry immediately sprung into action.

He and his daughter’s boyfriend, Wyatt, headed to the “Riverpaks” in a boat to help those trapped by flooding. By the end of the day, they pulled 29 people, 11 dogs and six cats to safety. One of the couples he rescued, a 95-year old World War II retired Lieutenant Colonel and his wife, were so thankful that they said, “You have a friend for life.”

For these heroic actions and for going above and beyond the call of duty, CTEH is proud to present Henry with a CTEH Safety Coin. Thank you to him, Wyatt and the countless volunteers who have helped our friends in Louisiana. If you’d like to join us in volunteering or contributing to the local relief efforts, please visit redcross.org/local/louisiana.