On Thursday, September 29, just one day after Hurricane Ian made landfall in the southwest part of Florida, Florida USAR Task Force 8 (FL TF-8) was deployed to assist with the storm’s aftermath.
After 13 days of search missions through flooded streets and dry terrain covered in debris, the members of FL TF-8 have returned home. The task force was comprised of 27 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) specialists from Ocala Fire Rescue (8), Marion County Fire Rescue (10), Gainesville Fire Rescue (8), and a chaplain.
Ocala Fire Rescue shared several photos of the Florida USAR Task Force 8 members who were happy to be back home.
Ocala Fire Rescue is extending a special thank you to all those who deployed and a warm welcome to those who are returning home safely.
“Thank you for working tirelessly to alleviate the devastation Hurricane Ian left behind,” said Ocala Fire Chief Clint Welborn. “Your selflessness embodied the core values of the fire service during these trying times.”