No filters, no narration—just the unvarnished view from a Charlotte firefighter’s helmet as crews executed a high-risk water rescue during a snowstorm on January 31, 2026. The team responded to a pickup truck that had gone off the road and become partially submerged in a retention pond near Jerimoth Drive and Cuddington Drive.

With the cab taking on water, the driver climbed into the bed of the truck, where they waited as firefighters navigated icy, dark waters to reach them. Using personal flotation devices and inflatable boats, the team carefully transferred the driver to safety. The rescue was completed just after 8:25 p.m., with all protocols followed to prevent hypothermia.

Helmet-cam footage captures the real-time decision-making and precision required in such conditions, showing firefighters approaching the truck, securing the victim, and coordinating their extraction in frigid, low-visibility conditions. The rescue demonstrates not only technical skill but also the teamwork and professionalism that define the Charlotte Fire Department, where seconds can mean the difference between life and death.

This incident underscores the dangers posed by icy storm conditions and highlights the effectiveness of training and protocol in emergency rescues, ensuring that both victims and first responders remain safe under extreme pressure.