Wisconsin’s search and rescue team, Task Force 1, has just returned from North Carolina where they provided valuable assistance to local emergency management teams in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
“The trip to North Carolina proved to be quite challenging due to the lingering effects of the hurricane,” shared Doug Vrechek, the rescue team manager overseeing the mission. “We encountered difficulties reaching our intended destination promptly because of the adverse road conditions and detours.”
The team actively participated in the search efforts by combing through sections of the Pigeon River. They also utilized a utility terrain vehicle, truck, and conducted on-foot searches in the mountainous regions of Haywood County, North Carolina.
“We take great pride in the dedication and commitment of Wisconsin Task Force 1 to assisting others, both within Wisconsin and across the nation,” stated Greg Engle, the administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management. He added, “Their selfless approach to putting themselves in perilous situations for the sake of helping others is a true testament to the character of our state.”
After coming back home, the task force aims to utilize their experiences in North Carolina to train other team members and firefighters, enabling them to offer similar kinds of assistance in the future.
Fire departments from Appleton, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Janesville, La Crosse, Neenah, Oshkosh, and Superior all dispatched firefighters to North Carolina.