The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Staff Reports
Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 03:49 PM
Sevier County Group Part Of State Teams Headed To Texas To Conduct Life-Saving Operations To Help Local Authorities
“Tennessee and Texas have a long and storied connection and we are proud to help in any way we can. I am proud of these first responders for stepping up to help those affected during their time of need,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said. “We know all too well the damage and destruction from floods and other natural disasters, and just as other states supported us in trying times, I know all Tennesseans want to do whatever we can to help Texas in this time of need."
The eight deploying search and rescue teams, plus one support team, from Tennessee hail from 20 city, county, and state jurisdictions. The teams include a total of 91 personnel with members from the following agencies:
Ashland City Fire Department
Bradley County Fire & Rescue
Brentwood Fire Department
Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department
East Ridge Fire Department
Dickson Fire Department
Franklin Fire Department
Hendersonville Fire Department
Knox Fire Department
Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad
LaVergne Fire Department
Lebanon Fire Department
Metro Nashville Fire Department
Montgomery County Emergency Medical Services
Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue
Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services
Sevierville Fire Department
Williamson County Emergency Communications Center
Williamson County Emergency Management Agency
Williamson County Emergency Medical Services
Williamson County Sheriffs Office
Wilson County Emergency Management Agency
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)
The Tennessee teams will conduct search, rescue, and recovery missions to aid survivors and animals trapped in swift-water and flooded areas of southeast Texas. The teams are equipped to provide basic life support, medical care, and transportation of survivors and animals to safety.
TEMA is sending two district coordinators to assist with coordination and support of the teams throughout the deployment in southeast Texas.
"We are proud Tennessee has so many well-trained search and rescue professionals who selflessly give of themselves to protect lives." said TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan. “
The State of Texas issued a resource request through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) network Tuesday for 100 swift-water rescues crews to conduct operations in the state for eight days.
TEMA began assembling the seven Tennessee teams for the request Tuesday afternoon working with local emergency management agencies and the coordinator for the Tennessee Association of Fire Chiefs' Mutual Aid System.
Southeast Texas continues to experience historic flooding, from the record-breaking rainfall of Tropical Storm Harvey. Houston, Texas, has recorded 52 inches of rainfall from Harvey since Saturday. Harvey made landfall for a third time this morning near Cameron, La.
Harvey's remnants are expected to impact Tennessee through Saturday morning. Heavy rainfall of up four inches or more of may cause flash flooding in some areas of Tennessee into the weekend.
TEMA continues to monitor Harvey's forecast track and impact through the agency's 24-hour Watch Point.
About the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency: TEMA’s mission is to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery from man-made, natural and technological hazards in a professional and efficient manner in concert with our stakeholders. Follow TEMA on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and, at www.tn.gov/tema.