As Hurricane Dorian makes its way towards the East Coast, several La Vergne firefighters are on their way to Florida to assist in relief efforts.
Four LFD firefighters left at 6:00 a.m. Monday for Birmingham, AL along with firefighters from Dickson and Williamson counties where they will rendezvous with members from Germantown and Madison County. LFD also sent a truck and its newest Special Operations trailer that was purchased less than three months ago, which will help transport all their equipment and allows them to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours.
“Our personnel are honored to represent the State of Tennessee, the Volunteer State, as they serve the State of Florida,” says La Vergne Fire Chief Chris Clark. “We truly believe that if we needed help, they would be here for us.”
All personnel will be combined into four Type 2 teams, each made up of 12 members each. Lt. James Pewitt, Engineer AEMT Shane Richardson, firefighter EMT JR Bolen and firefighter AEMT Nick Davis will be part of a Type 2 Swift Water Rescue team along with eight members of Madison County Fire Department. All LFD personnel are certified in Swift Water Rescue, as well as rope rescue, medical response and extrication which will help them fulfill various needs as well as rescue any civilians who may become trapped in their homes due to the storm and floodwaters.
“Our personnel have been training hard to make sure they are safe and can provide the best service possible, whether in the City of La Vergne or in the State of Florida,” says Chief Clark.
The La Vergne Fire Department will be adjusting schedules to make sure there will be appropriate coverage at home while four members of our team are deployed. The firefighters will be in Florida for up to 14 days.
