Kansas Swift-water rescue team being sent from Florida to North Carolina

The swift water search and rescue team, that deployed to Florida Sept. 24 was released from their assignment in Florida and is headed to North Carolina to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

"The destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Helene is devastating and overwhelming," Governor Laura Kelly said. "As we move Task Force 1 from Florida to North Carolina, Kansas remains committed to providing resources to aid response efforts across the impacted states."

"Kansas Task Force 1 has worked tirelessly in Florida assisting with the response to Hurricane Helene," Mark Engholm, Kansas Fire Marshal said. "Their search and rescue training has prepared them to provide professional and crucial support. After some much needed rest, the Team is headed to North Carolina to continue their search and rescue efforts."

Kansas Task Force 1 consists of personnel from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Derby Fire Department, Junction City Fire Department, Manhattan Fire Department, Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, Olathe Fire Department, Sedgwick County Fire District 1, and the Wichita Fire Department.

Their objectives will be search for and rescue individuals, provide basic life support (BLS) medical care, transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.