Chesapeake Fire Department's Hurricane Response

On October 22nd, 2024, Chesapeake City Council and Fire Chief Gulisano recognized Chesapeake Fire Department members that deployed with FEMA Task Force 2, the State Radio Cache, and Hampton Roads Incident Management Team. These teams deployed to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton.

FEMA Task Force 2 was deployed to Florida, North Carolina, and Texas to support operations. They primarily focused on Search & Rescue, Water Rescue, and Logistics. Members of the Chesapeake Fire Department that deployed were LT Day, LT Hnatko, LT Little, LT Newins, LT Hudgins, Master FF Giles, Master FF Bensley, FF/PM Robinson, and FF/PM Outlaw and Canine Pluto.

The State Radio Cache deployed to Southwest Virginia to reestablish communications in several impacted counties. Members of the Chesapeake Fire Department that deployed were Senior FF Cobb and FF/PM Gaskins.

The Hampton Roads Incident Management Team was also deployed to Southwest Virginia. They served in several counties, assisting with damage assessments, assisting in the Emergency Operations Centers, and helping with the response and recovery operations. Recognized by Chesapeake City Council and Fire Chief Gulisano were Raphael Brown (Suffolk Fire & Rescue), James Sessoms (Suffolk Fire & Rescue), Wilbert Flores (Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue), Scott Doggette (Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue), Travis Smith (Virginia Beach Police Department), Bill Skelaney (HRIMT Disaster Assistance Specialist), and Kevin Renshaw (Norfolk Fire-Rescue).

We are proud of the men and women (and Pluto!) from the Chesapeake Fire Department who deployed to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton. Thank you for showing that Chesapeake CARES, even beyond our own borders.