Florida Task Force 1 & 2 sent to central Florida ahead of Hurricane Helene
MIAMI - South Florida is sending some special help to deal with the expected aftermath of Hurricane Helene. On Wednesday, teams from Florida Task Force 1 and Florida Task Force 2 left for central Florida.
Miami Fire Rescue's Florida Task Force 2's 80-member team specializes in swift water rescue and disaster response. Wednesday morning they loaded up SUVs, box trucks, tractors and boats loaded with everything from food to medical supplies and set off for Orlando where they will be stationed until the storm passes.
In addition to the two-legged heroes, those with four legs are being deployed, too. Specially trained K9s, which helped out in the aftermath of hurricanes Ian and Idalia, will make the trip. They are trained to go into small spaces to find people who may be trapped.
Miami Fire Rescue's Pete Sanchez said the biggest danger is storm surge, which is why they're bringing four flat boats and high-water vehicles that can make their way through flooded areas.
"We are expecting a Category 3 (hurricane) to enter through the Big Bend, not exactly sure where it's going to enter, but on the west coast and as you see the storm surge is the biggest concern. So we have water specialists who are specially trained for swift water rescues to help the victims," he said.
The City of Miami sponsors the team, which comprises 23 additional fire and police departments along with civilian professionals.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Florida Task Force 1's 84-member team left Doral and headed to Ocala.
"It's composed of rescue specialists, hazardous materials specialists, physicians, structural engineers, K9 teams, and we are also bringing all of our water assets," said Task Force spokesman Obed Frometa.
Florida Task Force 1 is mostly made up of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel.
"The average experience on our team is starting at 17 years on the fire department and up," said Frometa.
In addition to search and rescue support, both task forces will assist in damage assessment and coordination of relief supply distribution.
Members of Task Force 1 told CBS News Miami that they felt compelled to help storm victims.
Lt. Obed Frometa said, "The same way that other teams came to our region it's part of the mission to help them and other people in other parts of the country. We are expecting severe flooding and destruction to structures and wide searches for people missing. We can expect anything from flooded area rescues to structural collapses to going into buildings and searching with dogs and pulling people out. Our team is stacked and stocked with materials including support equipment. We have a multi-faceted team."
"It is something we have done for years and it is very rewarding and we endure these situations on our own down here so we know what it's like to be a victim," said Chris Pecori, medical specialist.
"It means everything to us as a team, as individuals. We are family people and we understand what it can mean to lose a lot," said captain Kristian Labrada.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava thanked the team for their service and waved at the convoy of vehicles as they left headquarters in Doral for Ocala.
"I know these men and women. I have seen them in action. I have seen them in other disasters. I have seen them deployed to other areas and I know what they go through. It takes a personal toll on them. But this is what they love to do. It is not a job. It is a mission and I am proud to see them go on this mission," the mayor said.