SUBJECT:
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CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION - Marion County Fire Rescue and Public Safety Communications Deployments Due to Hurricane Helene and Milton - James Banta, Fire Chief (Approval and Presentation)
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INITIATOR: DEPARTMENT:
James Banta, Fire Chief Fire Rescue
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) and Public Safety Communications (PSC) played a vital role in supporting relief and rescue efforts during two significant hurricanes.
Hurricane Helene
In response to Hurricane Helene, Task Force 8 (TF8) was deployed to the Big Bend area of Florida. Their mission focused on conducting search and water rescue operations in areas severely affected by flooding. TF8 worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents in these vulnerable regions, navigating floodwaters and coordinating with local agencies to provide timely rescues.
Simultaneously, the PSC Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) team was deployed to Asheville, North Carolina. Their primary task was to provide essential 911 call answering and dispatch services in support of the local emergency units overwhelmed by the hurricane’s impact. This deployment ensured continuous emergency response capabilities in a critical time of need.
Hurricane Milton
In response to Hurricane Milton, several MCFR personnel were deployed to assist in various capacities. Deputy Chief Graff and Public Safety Information Manager James Lucas both joined the Florida Incident Support team, where Deputy Chief Graff served as the Operations Chief and James Lucas served at the Public Information Officer. Their efforts were central to coordinating large-scale relief operations and ensuring accurate, timely communication to the public and other agencies.
Chaplain Joseph LaCognata was deployed to St. Lucie County as a member of the mental wellness team. His role was to provide crucial mental health support to first responders and residents affected by the disaster, helping them cope with the emotional and psychological toll of the storm.
Fire Marshal Ken McCann was among 25 inspectors deployed to the affected areas. His task was to assess structural damage and ensure public safety, which was essential to the recovery efforts and rebuilding process in those communities.
In addition, TF8 was once again called into action. This time they deployed to Manatee, Pasco, and Hernando Counties. Their mission included water rescues, search operations, and road clearing to reopen vital routes. During this deployment, TF8 successfully rescued 249 residents and 47 pets while aiding 164 additional residents with various needs.
The response to both hurricanes demonstrated the extraordinary dedication and bravery of all MCFR and PSC personnel involved. Their actions not only saved lives but also reinforced the importance of their ability to mobilize quickly and provide critical support during emergencies. The skills and leadership displayed during these deployments underscore the vital role that MCFR and PSC play in ensuring the safety and recovery of communities affected by natural disasters.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve and present recognition.
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