CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) -
Seven Cincinnati
Firefighters part of Ohio Task Force One returned from Lafayette, New Jersey
and New York City after being deployed to the East Coast to aid in
hurricane response efforts.
Six of the firefighters worked primarily in
Lafayette, New Jersey:
- District Chief Thomas Lakamp (Task Force
Leader)
- District Chief Duane Herth (Safety Officer)
- Lt. Kevin McMullen (Search Team Manager)
- Lt. Marty Oevermeyer (HAZMAT Team Specialist)
- Mike Lotz (Rescue Team Manager)
- Benjamin Brink (Ground Support)
Captain Mike Cayse worked as a Division
Supervisor with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Incident
Support Team in Long Island, New York.
The firefighters collaborated with many
Federal, State and local agencies in New Jersey and New York City. A large part
of their work was in search & rescue missions, and "welfare checks" - going
door to door to check for victims in need of medical attention or medical
transport. In addition, they monitored for potential hazardous materials,
cleared debris, and set up food and water distribution centers.
The Cincinnati Fire Department's Assistant
Medical Director, Dr. Jason McMullen accompanied the firefighters on the door
to door searches, providing medical evaluations and treatment.
"I am proud that our Cincinnati Firefighters
and Asst. Medical Director dedicate their time and expertise to local and
national missions supported by Ohio Task Force One. We are happy the team
returned home safely," affirmed Fire Chief Richard Braun.
The mission of Ohio Task Force
One is the location and extrication of victims entombed by structural collapse.
This type of work, commonly called Urban Search and Rescue, is one of the most
demanding and resource-intensive forms of emergency response.
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