LAFD Water Rescue Team Enroute to Baton Rouge

In response to a formal request made through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), the Los Angeles Fire Department has mobilized an elite cadre of Swift Water Rescue trained firefighters toward Baton Rouge, Louisiana to assist Gulf Coast residents who may become afflicted by Hurricane Gustav.

These fourteen specially-trained, certified and equipped Los Angeles Firefighters will focus on all types of water rescue. Their response is separate from the 28 member LAFD-FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team now in Texas for specialized non-water rescues.

The LAFD Swift Water Rescue Team is traveling the 1800+ miles toward Baton Rouge in a fleet of specially equipped Fire Department and OES vehicles that contain inflatable boats, personal watercraft, technical rescue equipment and enough supplies to remain self-sufficient and highly mobile for up to fourteen days of deployment.

The Los Angeles Fire Department rescuers expect to mesh closely with local, regional, State and Federal resources in responding to acute life safety needs created by storm activity.

Most importantly, along with their considerable skill and experience, these specially-trained Los Angeles Firefighters will bring compassion and support to those who have been affected by the storm.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus being deployed in advance of the storm, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, official public and media information regarding these LAFD Swift Water Rescue personnel *during deployment* will be provided by or through the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services or their designated representatives.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department