It was all hands on deck Aug. 4 when a storm raged across the region, putting every Northampton Borough department into action to deal with the water and damage caused by Tropical Storm Isaias.

Borough council, at its meeting Aug. 6, lauded all of its department personnel - fire, police, administration, sewer and EMS - for their round-the-clock work on behalf of residents and their property.

The fire department began its work the day before the storm after receiving an emergency call that some individuals tubing in the Lehigh River were in peril. The fire department’s water rescue and craft went onto the river, near Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club, and rescued three or four children who had cried out for help.

When the storm engulfed the area Aug. 4, the fire department was in action pumping out several home basements that received torrents of water. The borough public works department also replied to similar calls for assistance as well as requests to close flooded streets.

Council Vice President Keith Piescienski mentioned there were some motorists who disregarded street closures and found their vehicles stuck in water, which reached several feet in some areas. Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst mentioned the cab of a large 18-wheel truck, parked in a municipal parking lot, had water as high as the cab doors.

The water stemming from overflow of the Hokendauqua Creek presented a more serious issue for the borough than did the Lehigh River.

At the wastewater treatment plant, the sump pump had to be turned off for a short period. The pumps were submerged in waters overflowing from the Hokendauqua Creek, leaving behind schools of beached crayfish.

Brobst said, however, the sewer plant was quickly able to resume operation without any disruption to the facility or properties in the town.

The administration personnel also were busy answering call after call from residents inquiring and seeking assistance from the borough’s EMS and police departments.