MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 8 (TF-8) is officially on its way back to North Central Florida after completing a demanding two-week deployment in Texas, where they assisted with emergency response efforts following widespread flooding.
According to Marion County Fire Rescue, the team was deployed July 7 and immediately got to work, performing critical search and rescue operations across hard-hit areas including Kerr County and Cow Creek in Travis County. Their missions included both hasty and grid searches along rivers and creeks swollen by floodwaters.
One TF-8 member even provided support from the air, participating in helicopter reconnaissance missions. As flash flood warnings prompted changes in strategy, the team was redeployed to Lampasas County to serve as a swift water quick reaction force, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
Throughout the deployment, TF-8 members demonstrated adaptability, commitment, and courage, helping to protect lives in rapidly changing and dangerous conditions.
Early Monday morning, the team began the 1,100-mile journey back to Florida.
“We couldn’t be prouder of their selfless efforts in supporting our fellow Americans in Texas,” Marion County Fire Rescue said in a statement.