While loved ones and strangers mourn Hermond’s death, Ellicott City is slowly trying to recover from the mammoth flooding. Related video Flash floods upend cars in Ellicott City “Flags will return to full staff sunset of the day he is laid to rest.” “His service to our country, state and local community will not soon be forgotten,” Hogan said. Larry Hogan ordered state flags to fly at half-staff in Hermond’s honor. The Maryland native joined the Army National Guard in 2009. Hermond joined the Air Force in 1996 and served 10 years as an airman, Col. Howard County Police Chief Gary Gardner said witnesses “saw him go under the water and not surface.” He bolted from the restaurant to try to save her.Īccording to a police report, witnesses reported that “Hermond was attempting to help a woman who had escaped through a window with her cat, when he became swept up in the rushing water.” Hermond, 39, was enjoying a birthday party at a Mexican restaurant when flash flooding swept through downtown Ellicott City, said Sarah Lopez, whose husband had served with Hermond in the Air Force.Īll three were at the party when Hermond noticed a woman trapped by the floodwaters nearby. Related article 'Are we gonna die, ma'am?' Ellicott City 911 calls released (Libby Solomon/The Baltimore Sun via AP) Libby Solomon/The Baltimore Sun via AP But by nightfall first responders and rescue officials were still going through the muddied, damaged downtown, conducting safety checks and ensuring people evacuated.

After the floodwaters receded, emergency officials had no immediate reports of fatalities or injuries. Water rushes through Main Street in Ellicott City, Md., Sunday, May 27, 2018.

Ellicott city flood video 2016