Gov. Brown Sending 6 Urban Search & Rescue Specialists To Oklahoma
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Gov. Jerry Brown directed the California Emergency Management Agency to deploy specialists from California's Urban Search & Rescue teams to assist in response and recovery efforts in Oklahoma City following Monday's devastating tornado.
In a statement Tuesday, the Governor's office said FEMA requested six specialists from five California-based Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces head to Oklahoma City to help coordinate and support operations.
Agencies sending representatives are the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which is sending two, and one each is being sent from the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Oakland Fire Department, Sacramento City Fire Department and Orange County Fire Authority.
Chief Rick Martinez, interim emergency service manager for the Yolo County Office of Emergency Services, was deployed Monday by FEMA to assist in rescue operations.
"Our thoughts are with the communities impacted by Monday's tornado and we stand ready to assist," said Governor Brown.
"We are monitoring the situation closely, are in contact with FEMA and will coordinate additional support if requested," said California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) Secretary Mark Ghilarducci.
California has 640 personnel in the National Urban Search and Rescue System, which is managed by FEMA.
