In the wake of the devastating flooding that hit central Texas, the Oklahoma City Search and Rescue team has issued a heartfelt message of remembrance for those who remain missing and lost. Weeks of tireless searching, in treacherous conditions and around the clock, culminated in a somber reflection from the team as they left central Texas without being able to find three of the missing victims.

The floods, which ravaged the region after unprecedented rainfall, left dozens of people unaccounted for, their homes and possessions swept away in the rising waters. As rescue efforts continued, families held on to hope, waiting for any sign that their loved ones would be found. But for the dedicated rescue teams, like those from Oklahoma City, the inability to locate those three missing individuals was particularly hard.

The Oklahoma City Search and Rescue team, which specializes in high-water rescues, had been sent to central Texas to assist local authorities with the search. After weeks of grueling work, sifting through debris, searching submerged areas, and navigating difficult terrain, the team issued a message that would deeply resonate with the community and beyond: “Remember them always.”

This poignant message was not just for the three individuals still missing but for all the lives lost during the devastating floods. The words of the rescue team were a reminder that while the floodwaters may recede and the focus of the media might shift, the victims and their families must never be forgotten.

 

The Emotional Toll of a Search Effort

For first responders and rescue teams, the emotional toll of a search operation like this one is often as heavy as the physical demands. Oklahoma City Search and Rescue team members, who have worked through countless high-risk operations in their careers, spoke of the difficulty of not being able to bring closure to the families of the missing.

As one of the senior team members from Oklahoma City said, “You can never prepare for the toll it takes, not just on the body, but on the heart. We went in knowing this was going to be one of the hardest searches we’ve ever faced. But when you’re on the ground, working every hour you can, you don’t think about stopping until you’ve brought everyone home. Not being able to find those three people was crushing.”

The heavy rainfalls and rapid flooding in central Texas had created conditions that were both dangerous and unpredictable. Rescue teams had to navigate through rapidly changing water levels, shifting debris, and parts of the landscape that were completely altered by the flood. Despite their best efforts and the support of local authorities and volunteers, the three missing victims were never found during the rescue operation.

This left the Oklahoma City team feeling a deep sense of grief and frustration, knowing that they had done everything they could, yet still unable to provide the families of the missing with the closure they so desperately needed.

 

Joe Burrow’s Heartfelt Donation

Amidst the sorrow of this situation, a remarkable act of generosity from Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has brought some solace to the situation. Joe, who has been known for his philanthropic efforts and community-mindedness, felt personally impacted by the outcome of the rescue mission.

After hearing of the Oklahoma City Search and Rescue team’s emotional struggle, Burrow, who had been following the events in Texas closely, decided to take action. With a quiet resolve, the NFL star made a donation of $5 million to aid the ongoing recovery and relief efforts in the wake of the flooding. Burrow also specifically directed the funds towards supporting the search teams, including the Oklahoma City Rescue team, to ensure that they had the resources they needed to continue their vital work in future operations.

In a statement, Burrow expressed his feelings: “I can’t imagine the pain the families of those lost must be going through, nor the emotional toll this has taken on the rescue teams. What the Oklahoma City Search and Rescue team has done is beyond heroic, and their efforts to bring people home should never be forgotten. I want to support them and make sure the survivors and families affected by this tragedy get the help they need.”

His donation was met with gratitude from the rescue team, who were humbled by the generosity and recognition. Burrow’s gesture, though quietly done without fanfare, has been viewed as a beacon of hope and support for the rescue community. It has also shone a spotlight on the incredible sacrifices made by these first responders, who give everything they have to save lives, often at the expense of their own emotional well-being.

“Remember Them Always”

The phrase “Remember them always,” which was issued by the Oklahoma City Search and Rescue team, has become a rallying cry for the people of central Texas and those affected by the floods. The floodwaters may have receded, but the impact of the disaster lingers. Families who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods are still in the process of rebuilding their lives, and the emotional scars will take time to heal.

The Oklahoma City Search and Rescue team, despite their inability to bring the three missing individuals home, continues to work tirelessly in support of the community. They are a part of the larger network of rescue and recovery operations in Texas, all working in unison to provide the resources necessary for recovery.

The phrase “Remember them always” serves as both a tribute and a reminder. It honors those who were lost, not just as victims of a tragic event, but as individuals whose lives had meaning, whose families loved them, and whose memories will continue to shape the community.

As the people of central Texas begin to rebuild, the sacrifices made by the rescue teams, volunteers, and donors like Joe Burrow are integral to the recovery process. The floodwaters may have swept away homes, but the kindness, generosity, and determination of people like Burrow and the Oklahoma City Search and Rescue team have created a foundation for healing.

 

The Road to Recovery

While the physical rebuilding of homes and infrastructure is an important part of recovery, it’s the emotional and mental rebuilding that often takes the longest. The families who lost loved ones are still reeling from the shock of their sudden and devastating losses. But the community has shown incredible resilience, drawing strength from the heroes who put their lives on the line to help others, like the Oklahoma City Search and Rescue team.

The $5 million donation from Joe Burrow is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope and there is kindness. It is also a call to action for others to contribute to the recovery effort and support those who continue to fight for those affected by the flood.

As the community moves forward, the message from Oklahoma City Search and Rescue remains clear: “Remember them always.” It is a reminder not only to honor those lost but to continue working together to ensure that such tragedies are met with the compassion, effort, and resolve needed to rebuild lives and communities.

The road to recovery may be long, but with the support of the community and heroes like Joe Burrow and the Oklahoma City Search and Rescue team, central Texas will rise again.