SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Firefighters from across the Natural State are in New Mexico right now helping with search and rescue after vicious wildfires and extreme flooding have swept the area.
Crew members from the Jonesboro Fire Department, the Conway Fire Department, the Little Rock Fire Department, the Rogers Fire Department, the Springdale Fire Department, the Bella Vista Fire Department, and the Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management were deployed to New Mexico about a week ago as part of Arkansas Urban Search and Rescue Task Force One.
The Springdale Fire Department said on June 29 that three members were being deployed to help. A day later, Rogers Fire Department posted that they had deployed three crew members to New Mexico as well.
Before too long, crews had arrived in New Mexico and were promptly put to work.
"We are pleased to inform you that our team has safely arrived in New Mexico. We have now received our assignment and are prepared to respond to the expected flooding in the region," Task Force One said on July 1. "Our team is ready and committed to providing assistance and support to those in need during this challenging time."
The New Mexico National Guard shared that right as crews arrived, flood conditions had worsened, and by July 2, Arkansas crews were already out in the field helping.
"Last night, members of Arkansas Task Force One were deployed during the heavy rain. Fortunately, there were no rescues required. Our team remains ready and vigilant to respond to any emergencies that may arise," Task Force One said.
The Springdale and Rogers FD returned home on Saturday, July 6, after being gone for six days. Many Bella Vista Firefighters and central Arkansas crews are still there.
Springdale paramedic and firefighter Dylan Gayer said he's proud of what he and his team were able to accomplish in New Mexico.
"It was great," Gayer said. "I was super proud of the crew that I was with, and being a part of everybody that we were around, the people that we were there for, always thanked us. And it was just great being a part of a team that was doing good."
Even in their downtime, Task Force members are keeping busy training alongside search and rescue teams from across the country in order to serve communities and provide vital assistance.
"We always aim to make the most of our time. Training alongside other teams like Tennessee and Texas helps us share knowledge and improve our skills. It ensures we are better prepared for any situation we might face," Task Force One said.
"While on deployment in New Mexico, Arkansas Task Force One members utilized periods of no rain and minimal flood danger to join Tennessee and Texas rescuers for lost person training," the Task Force added. "This training enhances our readiness and effectiveness in search and rescue operations."
After the rain subsided, Task Force One even spent time training with the New Mexico National Guard in preparation of more flooding, celebrating Independence Day alongside other crews getting practice.
"While we're all celebrating the 4th of July, Arkansas Task Force One members are hard at work training with New Mexico National Guard soldiers on shore-based rescue techniques in preparation for continued flooding," Task Force One said. "Our team is instructing soldiers on reach techniques and throw bag deployment, ensuring we are all ready to respond effectively to any emergencies."
The New Mexico National Guard said that they were grateful for the presence of crews from the Natural State during such a difficult time.
"Swift Water Rescue Teams from TX, AR, and TN have been with us in Ruidoso, saving lives during recent floods there," the New Mexico National Guard said. "We're grateful to them for sharing their experience and expertise with the 920th in order to ensure safe and successful rescues of civilians caught in high water in the future."
Task Force One posted to Facebook on July 6 that the crew's stay had been extended for another week.
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