National Guard Ends Blizzard Duty
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM/CBS) -- Now that the worst is over, the National Guard says its work to rescue drivers in the blizzard is complete.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Dave Dahl reports, Gov. Pat Quinn on Thursday afternoon for Illinois National Guard troops.
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Spokesman Maj. Brad Leighton says the Guard is uniquely qualified to help stranded motorists.
"We have vehicles that are able to get across this very, very foul weather we had this week. Our Humvees are designed to handle this kind of weather. It's military equipment that can transverse this very snowy and slippery terrain that we've had in the last week," he said.
More than 500 National Guard troops were dispatched during the blizzard.
The troops were stationed along remote highways, where they carried supplies such as water and snack bars, and provided roadside safety tips to stranded motorists. Guard members also relayed information regarding road conditions, accidents and stranded motorists to Illinois State Police troopers.
The last snowstorm that required the assistance of the Illinois National Guard was more than 40 years ago.
