- September 20, 2024
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Eight Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies are going to Southwest Florida to assist in the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ian last week after being activated by the State Emergency Management and the Florida Sheriff’s Association Task Force.
Some members of FCSO’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) deployed on Sunday, October 2 to Charlotte County in Southwest Florida. The rest left today from Flagler County to assist, according to Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.
“Hurricane Ian certainly left his mark on Flagler County, but we’re a lot more fortunate than many others in Florida,” Sheriff Staly added. “In prior hurricanes, other Sheriff’s Offices have helped us and since we were not hit so hard, it is our turn to help Ian’s victims and our brothers and sisters in Charlotte County as much as possible while they are dealing with the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian.”
ERT left in a caravan of vehicles, including the ERT self-contained trailer, which will be their home for the next seven to 10 days. The deployed deputies will be assisting the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in a variety of ways, including patrolling the streets.
Under the Florida Sheriff’s Association Mutual Aid Agreement, Flagler deputies will have full law enforcement authority while on deployment in Charlotte County. Over 300 deputies from around the state are already assisting Southwest Florida law enforcement agencies. Since this is a State Emergency Management authorized mission, all costs incurred will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
During and after Hurricane Ian’s arrival in Flagler County, FCSO’s ERT Unit conducted two high water rescues and
assisted in two other rescues with local first responders. ERT also handled 64 total calls during the storm, with deputies clearing 19 trees and 34 roadway obstructions.
