Multiple swift water search and rescue teams from Tennessee have headed to Texas to help with relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey and massive, catastrophic flooding.
Tennessee sent 91 trained search and rescue workers to southeastern Texas. Governor Bill Haslam addressed members of the nine swift water search and rescue teams at the State Emergency Operations Center before their scheduled departure Wednesday.
“Tennessee and Texas have a long and storied connection, and we are proud to help in any way we can. I am proud of these first responders for stepping up to help those affected during their time of need,” Governor Bill Haslam said. “We know all too well the damage and destruction from floods and other natural disasters, and just as other states supported us in trying times, I know all Tennesseans want to do whatever we can to help Texas in this time of need."
The following agencies have sent teams to Texas:
- Ashland City Fire Department
- Bradley County Fire & Rescue
- Brentwood Fire Department
- Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department
- East Ridge Fire Department
- Dickson Fire Department
- Franklin Fire Department
- Hendersonville Fire Department
- Knox Fire Department
- Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad
- La Vergne Fire Department
- Lebanon Fire Department
- Metro Nashville Fire Department
- Montgomery County Emergency Medical Services
- Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue
- Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services
- Sevierville Fire Department
- Williamson County Emergency Communications Center
- Williamson County Emergency Management Agency
- Williamson County Emergency Medical Services
- Williamson County Sheriffs Office
- Wilson County Emergency Management Agency
- Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)
The Nashville Fire Department announced it’s sending a team to Texas to aid in the recovery efforts. Nashville Fire officials said Wednesday they’re sending a team of eight firefighters, two paramedic/OEM divers, and six Hendersonville firefighters.
Read More: Hurricane Harvey's Devastating Impact By The Numbers
They’ll join other first responders from Middle Tennessee and travel in a convoy to College Station, Texas – about an hour and a half northwest of Houston.
Boats are also being deployed from Nashville to Texas. @NC5pic.twitter.com/HPHwCH154l
— Sarah McCarthy NC5 (@SMcCarthyNC5) August 30, 2017
The department and Metro’s Office of Emergency Management will send one hard bottom rescue boat, one inflatable raft, two OEM F-350 trucks and two 15-passenger vans.
“Nashville was fortunate in 2010 to have the support of departments and agencies from all across the region – now it is time for us to pay it back,” said Mayor Megan Barry. “I appreciate all of our emergency responders who are volunteering to take time away from their families to travel to Texas and help our fellow Americans in need.”
The strike team is expecting to be deployed for eight days.
Officials in Williamson County announced they're sending eight members of the Franklin Fire Department, six members of Brentwood Fire & Rescue, and six members from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office as swift water rescue teams.
The Williamson County Emergency Management Agency also sent three personnel to help with communications.
The crews will be taking inflatable Zodiac boats, flat bottom boats, jet skis, generators, tools, safety equipment, food, water, fuel, and provisions for seven days.
Eleven personnel with the Murfreesboro Fire Department and three from the Rutherford County Special Operations Response Team also deployed to Texas.
“I am so proud of our department and our capabilities to assist other agencies in their time of need," Chief Mark Foulks said. "Please continue to pray for the people in the Houston and surrounding areas of Texas.”
Governor Haslam said the teams will be helping in Texas for at least eight days.
Tennessee Adjutant General Max Haston said the Tennessee National Guard has also been prepared to mobilize within 24 hours of notification to help out in Texas.
