Kansas task force deployed to Florida for hurricane search and rescue

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Governor Laura Kelly announced that a swift water search and rescue task force will be heading to Florida to help ahead of Hurricane Milton's arrival.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management received an Emergency Management Assistance Compact request from Florida, according to a press release from the Governor's Office. On Sunday, Oct. 6, the Kansas State Fire Marshall deployed its Task Force 2 to Florida.

“Kansas is once again sending assistance to Florida due to another large and powerful hurricane landing this week in the Gulf Coast,” Kelly said. “We’re committed to mobilizing resources and personnel to provide immediate support to those affected by Hurricane Milton.”

The task force will work to search and rescue people, provide medical care, transport people and animals, provide shore and boat based water rescues and help with helicopter search and rescues, according to the Office of the Governor.

The task force has personnel from the State Fire Marshal's office, Chanute Fire Department, Cherryvale Fire-Rescue, Johnson County Med-Act, Manhattan Fire Department, Neodesha Fire Department, Salina Fire Department, Shawnee Kansas Fire Department and Wichita Fire Department.

“The personnel responding to Florida to assist with Hurricane Milton have trained for this kind of disaster response,” said Kansas State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm. “They are committed to providing professional search and rescue support to those in need. Kansas can be proud of our men and women who have chosen to deploy.”

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