- September 30, 2024
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Flagler County Fire Rescue personnel as they head for Dixie County, Florida. Courtesy of Flagler County
The joint Volusia County Emergency Response Team. Courtesy of Volusia County
Volusia County first responders were sent to help the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Taylor County. Courtesy of Volusia County
Hurricane Helene damage in Dixie County. Courtesy of Flagler County Fire Rescue
A church damaged in Hurricane Helene in Dixie County. Courtesy of Flagler County Fire Rescue
Hurricane Helene damage in Dixie County. Courtesy of Flagler County Fire Rescue
Fire Rescue and Sheriff’s Office and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue and Emergency Management all left for Taylor and Dixie Counties to help the communities devasted by Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area on Sept. 26 and has since swept through the Southeast, hitting Georgia, North and South Carolina and Tennessee. In response, Volusia County deployed a joint Emergency Response Team to Taylor County on Sept. 27 with personnel from both the Volusia County Fire Rescue and Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
The team will perform search and rescue operations, including vital water rescue services following the hurricane’s aftermath, a county press release said.
The team arrived equipped with their own vehicles and the resources needed to be self-sufficient until a centralized base camp can be established. They are expected to remain actively deployed for approximately 14 days, the press release said.
“During these challenging times, it is vital that resources are available to quickly respond and assist in the areas most impacted by the storm”, said Joe King, Fire Chief of Volusia County Fire Rescue. “By working together on this Joint Emergency Response Team, we’re not just responding to emergencies, we are looking out for each other and ensuring other communities get the help they need.”
In Flagler County, members of Flagler County Fire Rescue and Flagler County Emergency Management were sent to Dixie County while the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Mobile Command Center and two deputies were sent to Taylor County on Sept. 27, according to press releases and social media posts from the departments.
Flagler County Fire Rescue Tender/Engine 51 is helping to provide structural fire support to Dixie County Fire Rescue and assist in completing damage assessments, a FCFR Facebook post said.
As of Sept. 29, 67% of the Dixie County is still without power, according to a Flagler County Emergency Management Facebook post.
“Our hearts go out to them,” said Fire Rescue Chief Mike Tucker. “The state called for resources and assistance, and we immediately took a look at our roster. We are glad to be able to send Lt. Guerin and Firefighter Loertscher, along with a (water) tender truck to help Dixie County in its time of need.”
