In response to a formal request made through the California Governor's
Office of Emergency Services, the Los Angeles Fire Department is
mobilizing a cadre of specially-trained Firefighters to assist Gulf
Coast residents afflicted by Hurricane Katrina.
These fourteen specially-trained Los Angeles Firefighters, four LAFD
vehicles, inflatable boats, technical equipment and supplies will arrive at a yet-to-be specified locale in the Gulf Coast region via military air transport.
The Los Angeles Fire Department team will mesh closely with local,
regional, State and Federal resources in responding to acute life safety needs created by storm activity.
Along with skill and experience, these specially-trained Los Angeles
Firefighters, all certified in multiple forms of water rescue, will
bring compassion and support to the many who have been affected by this monumental storm.
The LAFD water rescue team, a component of our Urban Search and Rescue
Task Force, is designed to be remain self-sufficient and highly mobile.
The period of deployment is expected to be no less than three days.
Pursuant of established protocol, public and media information
regarding the actions of these LAFD personnel during deployment will be provided by local, regional, State and Federal emergency management
officials in the effected area.
We wish to reassure Los Angeles residents that the City of Los Angeles
remains fully protected by the use of additional staff and reserve
apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs.
Additional and Updated Information: http://lafd.blogspot.com
Good for California.
All states should be doing the same, if they are not already.