LAFD FEMA Swift Water Team Returns From Hurricanes Helene and Milton

On October 15, 2024, the Los Angeles City Fire Department FEMA CA-Task Force 1 Swift Water Rescue team returned after a two week deployment assisting in the rescue efforts following the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina on September 26 and the call for an immediate deployment of a Swift Water "Mission Ready Package" (MRP) came the next day. 18 specially trained Swift Water Rescue members of the LAFD, representing FEMA CA-Task Force 1, expeditiously packed their bags and equipment and set out for the 52 hour cross country drive.

Over the next 10 days, the team worked with local police and fire to systematically search the ranging, precarious debris fields and flooded river, looking for any survivors. In addition to their primary mission, they provided vital assistance to the residents, clearing debris, distributing supplies and providing emotion support while listening and bearing witness to their stories of loss and survival.

The team was released from Asheville and reassigned to staging in Atlanta, Georgia for Hurricane Milton. During the downtime leading up to the hurricane's landfall, they did all they could to serve the local community by making repairs and helping maintain the church which hosted them.

The 18 members of the LAFD FEMA CA-Task Force 1 Swift Water Team showed resilience and compassion throughout their deployment. They represent the very best of Your Los Angeles City Fire Department and received a warm welcome home on their return.

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