Lisa Marchesoni
Posted: Sunday, April 12, 2009 7:58 am

Volunteers flocked to help some 36 Rutherford County residents whose homes were destroyed or damaged by Good Friday tornadoes, the sheriff’s spokesman said.

Damaged areas included Rockvale, Bradyville Pike, the Deerfield subdivision off state Route 96 West (Franklin Highway) and Walter Hill.

Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Dan Goodwin said emergency workers completed the search and rescue mission, checking on all damaged homes.

Deputies were keeping spectators out of neighborhoods so people could clear the debris and begin repairing homes.

“We don’t need just people gawking and sightseeing,” Goodwin said. “If caught, you will be turned around.”

Volunteers may register by calling the Emergency Management Agency at 890-1934.

“I can’t say enough about the wonderful people of Rutherford County and the surrounding areas volunteering,” Goodwin said.

County Mayor Ernest Burgess said county employees were working in the tornado-struck areas Saturday.

Burgess accompanied Gov. Phil Bredesen as he toured heavily damaged areas on Haynes Drive in Murfreesboro.

“The degree of devastation is far beyond what most of us expected,” Burgess said. “It’s overwhelming.”

The mayor was grateful there were no more than two fatalities.

“It’s amazing we didn’t lose more,” Burgess said.