On Friday, May 16, Greene County was hit with a long-lasting tornado, causing considerable damage to multiple homes, farms, and businesses. Tragically, one individual lost their life in the storm.

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department would like to thank the numerous agencies in the emergency response and ongoing recovery efforts. Deputies were assisted by the Linton Police Department, Jasonville Police Department, Worthington Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Bloomington Police Department, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, Clay City Police Department, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers, Linton Fire Department, Jasonville Fire Department, Worthington Fire Department, Highland Township Fire Department, Eastern Greene Fire Territory, Switz City Fire Department, Dugger Fire Department, Lewis Township Fire Department, Greene County Health Department, Greene County Ambulance Service, Clay County Ambulance Service, and Sullivan County Ambulance Service. Several other surrounding counties and agencies also offered assistance and resources to aid in the response, according to a press release from the Greene County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff George Dallaire stated “Everyone worked really well together. We are fortunate to have a good working relationship with so many wonderful agencies. We are grateful for all of those who came to help and to those who called and offered assistance. It is unfortunate that someone lost their life.”

Dallaire also cautioned those considering driving through the area to look at the damage.

“There are still a lot of hazards in the area. If you do not need to be there, please avoid the area,” he said. “A lot of heavy equipment is out there while people are working to recover and clean up debris from the storm. Our deputies are making a lot of extra patrols in the area to keep everyone safe.”