During the devastating Hurricane Helene flooding in Tennessee, a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer was pulled from rising water, and then immediately helped carry an injured man to safety.

Trooper Hannah Smathers had just finished a crash report when she was dispatched to check flood-prone Spivey Mountain Road. While conditions seemed manageable at first, the Hurricane Helene flash flood waters began to rise rapidly.

“The creek had started rising and was quickly moving onto the roadway.”

Smathers had just helped two pedestrians out of the area and offered aid to a stranded driver when she found herself surrounded by floodwater.

“There was no way forward and no way back. I called it in and waited.”

Emergency Response Team Pulls Her to Safety

A Hurricane Helene search and rescue team responded quickly. Smathers removed her vest and duty belt as they tossed her a rope and life jacket.

“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.”

“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.”

According to Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent and now communications director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Smathers didn’t pause and went right back to work the moment she was safe.

“She radioed in, waited for help, and once she was safe, she went right back to work,” Pack shared.

Back on Duty: Moments After Rescue

Soaked and still covered in mud, Smathers quickly returned to duty. A nearby driver had broken his ankle. She helped carry him to safety.

“Once I got out, I saw another driver had broken his ankle, so I helped carry him to safety too.”

She remained on shift for 18 hours, despite the trauma and exhaustion.

“Because it's what we do.”

“I know sometimes it sounds cliché when people say they just want to help others,” she said. “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.

Honoring a Trooper’s Dedication

“Trooper Smathers showed exactly what we expect from the Highway Patrol troopers – calm under pressure and a heart for service,” said Col. Matt Perry.

“She didn’t ask for attention. She just got the job done.”

“She showed courage, humility, and heart,” added Commissioner Jeff Long. “Whether in a flood, a crash scene, or a routine patrol, our troopers are out there every day making Tennessee safer.”

Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding and claimed over 230 lives across six states, including Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida.

A Story That Speaks for Thousands

Trooper Smathers’ actions remind us that life-saving actions aren’t always about the spotlight; sometimes, they’re about quiet resolve and relentless service.

If this story moved you, we invite you to read more Acts of Heroism stories of officers around the country. Learn about the mission behind We Love Police, or head to the Stories page to discover more uplifting police stories.

References

• WATCH: Hero cop rescued from Hurricane Helene flash flood, immediately helps injured man - Fox News (by Stepheny Price)

• Image Source - Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (via Fox News)