JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) personnel have deployed to the Florida Panhandle to assist communities recovering from Hurricane Isaias, providing search and rescue operations, emergency communications and additional support for local 911 services.
According to JFRD, crews were working across storm-impacted areas just 24 hours after the hurricane made landfall, using specialized rescue equipment and communications resources to help coordinate the emergency response.
Members of Florida Task Force 5 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) began conducting search operations, deploying swift-water rescue teams, trained K-9 units, specialized vehicles and other equipment.
Rescue personnel are documenting searched areas in real time, allowing the State Emergency Operations Center and responding agencies to track operations and coordinate resources.
The effort is intended to help emergency crews identify areas that have already been searched while directing additional resources to communities still needing assistance.
Emergency Communications Teams Support Storm Response
Alongside search and rescue operations, JFRD’s Mutual Aid Radio Communications (MARC) 8 unit is working with an Emergency Road Access Team to maintain communications among responders operating in hurricane-affected areas.
The mobile communications unit helps emergency personnel remain connected while crews work to restore access and coordinate response activities.
JFRD also received a request to deploy communications officers as part of a Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce.
Those personnel will assist emergency dispatch centers in affected communities, helping maintain 911 operations as local agencies manage increased demand following the storm.
Jacksonville Crews Join Statewide Recovery Effort
The deployment brings Jacksonville firefighters, rescue specialists and emergency communications personnel together with agencies from across Florida.
JFRD said its personnel are assisting with search operations and response coordination while communities begin recovering from the hurricane.
The department expressed support for residents affected by the storm and thanked the agencies working together during the response.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricane Isaias as communities begin the difficult work of recovery,” the department said.
“We’re grateful to be able to lend a hand and work alongside agencies from across the state during this time.”