OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It was an opportunity to share with the public the selfless commitment and sacrifices during their deployment during three severe weather events.
Marion County Fire Rescue and Public Safety Communications played a key role in relief and rescue efforts during Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. Their quick actions and teamwork were crucial in saving lives and helping communities in the affected areas, stated James Banta, the fire chief, at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting on November 5.
During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Marion County’s emergency responders played vital roles in disaster relief, deploying personnel and resources across Florida and beyond to aid in recovery and rescue efforts.
Hurricane Helene Deployments
During Hurricane Helene, Deputy Chief Robert Graff served as a division supervisor with the Florida Incident Support Team (FIST), coordinating six urban search and rescue teams in Florida’s Big Bend area. These teams, including Task Force 8 (TF8), conducted helicopter and swift-water rescues in severely flooded regions, responding to areas devastated by the storm.
Meanwhile, the Public Safety Communications Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) team was dispatched to Asheville, NC to assist local 911 dispatch services and maintain critical communication links as the local teams managed high call volumes.
In Suwanee County, Battalion Chief Ken Smithgall supported strategic relief efforts at the Emergency Operations Center and worked closely with Marion County’s Emergency Management Director, Preston Bowlin. Fire Prevention Supervisor Nathan Wallace and Fire Inspector Seth Gage were deployed to Pinellas County with other state inspectors, conducting 1,750 assessments to identify hazards and expedite the safe reopening of businesses. Their mission was cut short as Hurricane Milton loomed.
Hurricane Milton Deployments
As Hurricane Milton approached, Deputy Chief Graff and Public Safety Information Manager James Lucas again joined FIST, this time as operations chief and public information officer, respectively, overseeing large-scale resource coordination and public communication.
Chaplain Joe LaCognata was deployed to St. Lucie County to provide critical mental health support to both first responders and residents affected by the storm. Fire Marshal Ken McCann and Supervisor Nathan Wallace returned to Pinellas County to lead a team of 26 inspectors, conducting over 2,200 damage assessments within a week.
TF8 deployed to Manatee, Pasco, and Hernando Counties, completing water rescues, road clearances, and search operations. In total, they rescued 249 residents and 47 pets, and supported 164 additional people impacted by the storm.
“In conclusion, the dedication, skill and bravery displayed by Marion County Fire and Rescue and Public Safety Communications during all three hurricanes, exemplify our commitment to the community’s safety and resilience,” said Banta. “These operations underscore the essential role Marion County plays statewide, with every deployment reflecting their readiness to respond and our commitment to saving lives.”