Lexington, Ky. – Three special operations firefighters from the Lexington Fire Department have been deployed to Florida to assist with the ongoing relief efforts following the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The team, which includes support from Ohio Task Force 1, arrived in Orlando on Wednesday to join the Urban Search and Rescue team tackling severe flooding along the Gulf Coast.
These firefighters are engaged in critical operations to locate and rescue individuals trapped in flooded homes. Battalion Chief Chris Ward noted that the Ohio team dispatched water assets to directly aid affected residents. The firefighters’ extensive training, which spans approximately 80 hours, equips them with essential skills for navigating and responding to emergencies in collapsed structures.
“To be on a Federal Urban Search and Rescue team, you have to be a rescue technician first, and then they send you to the specialized training for whatever discipline you’re applying for,” Chief Ward explained. This rigorous preparation ensures that the responders are ready when disasters strike.
“When the opportunity arises and people need help, then the men and women are always willing to go and try to do their best,” Ward stated, reinforcing the commitment of first responders to their communities. “We all train every day and hope we never have to use what we learn.”
While the firefighters assist in Florida, the Lexington Fire Department will continue to operate normally in Fayette County, despite anticipated high winds and rain as a result of the storm system. The local team is well-prepared to respond to any incidents that may arise in Central Kentucky during this weather event.
The collaboration between regional and federal teams highlights the united front in disaster response efforts aimed at safeguarding individuals affected by natural disasters. As the situation develops in Florida, the Lexington team remains focused on providing timely and effective assistance.
