JFRD Deploys Multiple Teams Ahead of Hurricane Isaias
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has deployed multiple teams to support communities in the Florida Panhandle ahead of Hurricane Isaias. The deployment includes an over 40-member Type III Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, three members of the Northeast Florida All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT), and one member assigned to the State of Florida’s USAR Incident Support Team.
The Type III USAR Team will help find, reach, medically stabilize, and extricate survivors trapped in damaged structures and other inaccessible areas. The team includes rescue specialists, two certified live-find canines and their handlers, hazardous materials specialists, medical specialists, structural specialists, technical search and heavy rigging specialists, and logistics, communications, and planning staff, along with a five-member ground support element.
The team is self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, carrying its own food, water, shelter, fuel, and protective gear. The convoy of about 17 vehicles includes assets that will allow members to reach areas cut off by debris or flooding. The team will stage in Tallahassee before landfall, allowing members to be in position to start work as soon as conditions allow.
Three JFRD members also deployed with the Northeast Florida All-Hazards Incident Management Team to the Washington County Emergency Operations Center. The team will help local emergency staff prepare for, respond to, and recover from the storm. These JFRD members will serve as Public Information Officer, Deputy Operations Section Chief, and Logistics Section Chief.
In addition, one member deployed to the State of Florida to support the Fire Marshal’s Office as a Resource Unit Leader as part of the statewide USAR Incident Support Team.
“When our neighbors need help, Jacksonville shows up,” said Director/Fire Chief Percy Golden II. “Our members bring a wide range of skills and qualifications that make them subject matter experts in these types of missions. We’re grateful to Mayor Deegan for her support in sending them, and to the crews here at home stepping up so we can.”
JFRD recognizes Mayor Deegan for her continued support of the department and of the statewide mutual aid system that brings help to Florida communities when they need it most. Our thoughts are with the residents in the path of Hurricane Isaias.
The resources deployed will not affect JFRD coverage here in Duval County. All JFRD stations and units remain staffed and in service, and residents can be confident that if they need help, JFRD will be there.
Residents can follow JFRD on social media for updates on the deployed personnel.
About Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) serves more than 1 million residents across 885 square miles of Duval County. With 1,900 personnel operating from 71 stations, JFRD responds to over 100,000 calls for service each year, including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues. To learn more, visit myjfrd.com.