Task Force 8, which is comprised of members from Marion County Fire Rescue, Ocala Fire Rescue, and Gainesville Fire Rescue, was deployed to north central Florida on Wednesday to assist with rescue efforts in response to Hurricane Idalia.
On Wednesday morning, Idalia made landfall along the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour.
As a Florida Urban Search and Rescue team, Task Force 8 plays an important role in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane by conducting search and rescue missions, helping to clear a path to the most devastated areas to help provide lifesaving actions, and aiding utility crews and emergency road clearance teams.
Task Force 8 will deploy search and rescue teams, along with swift water rescue teams, as part of the rescue efforts in north central Florida. The members of the task force will coordinate with other response teams from around the state and nation.
According to Marion County Fire Rescue, these teams will be deployed for several days until search and rescue efforts are no longer needed.
“We wish them a safe journey as they provide assistance to those affected by Hurricane Idalia,” stated MCFR in a social media post.
On Wednesday evening, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods joined in the rescue efforts as he led a caravan of deputies, civilian employees, and equipment to Madison County.
“We are blessed here in Marion County to have the necessary resources to help those in need,” stated Sheriff Woods.
“While we fared well through the storm, others didn’t. I’m also proud of my deputies’ willingness to leave their own homes and go to help folks they don’t even know but, folks that definitely will appreciate their help,” added Sheriff Woods.