Tucson-area firefighters to answer FEMA's call

Arizona Daily Star ^ | Sep 3, 2005 | Alexis Huicochea

[SandRat]

The Tucson Fire Department and Golder Ranch Fire District will be deploying firefighters to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, officials said.

Four Golder Ranch firefighters were the first to be sent out this morning at 6, said Battalion Chief John Sullivan.

Tucson Fire will follow with six firefighters next week, according to spokesman Capt. Paul McDonough.

Both agencies are responding to a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is asking city fire departments to send a total of 1,000 two-person teams.

Golder Ranch will be providing medical attention as well as canvassing areas to assist people who have not been given any aid or to help recover belongings, Sullivan said.

The Tucson Fire Department will assist with nonoperational community relations, including showing residents how to process and get federal assistance, providing minimal first aid and taking reports, McDonough said.

While Tucson Fire has not yet selected those who will make the trip, Golder Ranch is sending Michael Thomas, who has a brother living in New Orleans, Colin Ryan, Henry Perez and Randy Schulzkump.