A recent Carthage College alumnus is making his school proud.
Ever since Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Brett Harmeling has been going nearly non-stop, rescuing people from water-surrounded buildings and delivering food and supplies.
Harmeling, a 2010 graduate who’s lived in Houston for the past five years, owns a custom-designed, all-terrain jeep with over-sized tires and a four-foot clearance.
Speaking with WGTD’s Greg Berg Thursday, Harmeling said he became aware of just how valuable his Jeep could be when he was called on to pick up a stranded friend Saturday and came across dozens of others that needed help. "I turned the corner and there were over 100 people there, stranded almost as if they were on an island with absolutely nothing," Harmeling said. "The look in their eyes--I'll never forget. And that's when I knew Houston needed my help."
At first, Harmeling answered pleas that he received via social media. Later, he wound up working hand-in-glove with authorities.
As of Thursday morning, Harmeling estimated that he had picked up well over 100 people, saving many, he said, from what he viewed to be imminent danger.
Harmeling’s own apartment has been untouched by floodwaters. He lives on the fifth floor of a building in Houston which hadn’t even lost power. Harmeling works as a financial planner and teaches yoga and is also active in a couple of non-profits that promote empowerment and leadership.
-0-