good on them i say,
2ft of water can send a car disappearing off down stream easily enough.
based just on those photos and no other information, i agree with what they have done,
you ask is the job worth it, - only they can answer that question as they are the ones doing the job its not for us to judge sitting at our computers looking at a picture in the safe warm and dry living room/office with the wonder of hindsight
people of the emergency services, hm forces etc put themselves on offer to help people that get into situations either by stupidty or accident, and i think they all do a good job and should be supported more.