One week into their deployment to flood-ravaged Central Texas, search-and-rescue specialists from the Gainesville, Ocala, and Marion County fire departments remain on the ground supporting recovery efforts after one of the deadliest events in the state’s history.
Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 8, a collaboration of the three local agencies, deployed a six-person team of swift-water rescue experts early on July 7, joining forces with members of Central Florida’s Task Force 4. The group first responded to Kerrville, where the Guadalupe River rose rapidly on July 4, submerging neighborhoods and summer camps.
Task Force 8 later moved to Travis County on July 10 to conduct comprehensive search operations along a two-mile stretch of the banks of the Colorado River.
The team, working under the direction of the local and state agencies in Texas, collaborated with the Miami-based Task Force 2 canine unit to tackle the challenging terrain and large debris fields that have complicated efforts in areas with extremely limited access.
“These are some of the best-trained rescue specialists in the state,” said Gainesville Fire Rescue Capt. Herb Ennis, who has responded to several other disasters with Task Force 8. “When we deploy a small team like this, we can send our most experienced members. They’re people who know how to handle tough conditions and make critical decisions under pressure because they’ve been in these situations before.”
The local team of rescuers includes GFR District Chief Devin Chapman, Fire Equipment Operator and Paramedic Jagger Maguire from Ocala Fire Rescue, and four from Marion County Fire Rescue: Division Chief Chris Whitler, Battalion Chief Frank York, and Driver Engineers John Ingram and Steve Debigare.
Ashley Lopez, public information officer for Ocala Fire Rescue, said the deployment highlights the strength of Florida’s coordinated response. The task force members bring important equipment and expertise to respond quickly and effectively when summoned to disaster areas and work with other agencies.
Early July 13, Texas officials dispatched the Task Force 8 members to Lampasas to respond to emergency calls following almost 12 inches of rain. Weekend storms and continued flash flooding also have forced rescuers to temporarily suspend operations at times.
Mutual aid deployments like this help ensure that states can respond effectively in moments of crisis, said James Lucas, public information officer for Marion County Fire Rescue, adding that Florida often receives outside support during hurricanes and other natural disasters.
“It’s communities helping communities,” he said of the operation. “When given the opportunity to deploy to Texas, there’s no question. When our fellow citizens and Americans need help, we’re proud to send our very best and most skilled rescuers there to assist.”
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville and Marion County rescuers enter second week of Texas flood recovery efforts
Reporting by Laura Bernheim / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
