Lexington Firefighters Assist in Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in Florida

Lexington, Ky. — Three firefighters from Lexington are providing critical support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene through their deployment with Ohio Task Force 1. They are currently working in Pasco County, Florida, to assist affected communities.

As of Friday, the firefighters have engaged in vital operations that include conducting water rescues and assessing structural damage. They are also searching for missing or injured individuals, as the region deals with the extensive impacts of the natural disaster.

Captain Nick Bodkin, a member of the Lexington Fire Department, noted his past experiences with Ohio Task Force 1, highlighting the impactful nature of their work. “Coming down here and seeing the damage and what people are going through it puts everything in perspective,” Bodkin stated.

This deployment emphasizes the importance of training and preparedness. Bodkin remarked on the vital role such training plays in effectively assisting those in need during catastrophic events. “We do a lot of training to get ready for this and it’s nice to put that training to work to help those people,” he added.

While the exact duration of their deployment remains uncertain, Bodkin confirmed that the team will continue to assist as long as their services are required. Their commitment reflects a broader dedication to emergency response and community support following natural disasters.

The efforts of these firefighters underline the solidarity and teamwork necessary in disaster recovery, as they work tirelessly to restore safety and aid those impacted by Hurricane Helene.