Agency Assist 02/19/2017

Agency Assist; 07:06PM; Merced County, California; https://goo.gl/maps/2dkxb8PaC7U2; Pursuant to a formal request by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), the Los Angeles Fire Department has mobilized an elite cadre of Swift Water Rescue trained LAFD firefighters toward Merced County, California to assist residents and allied agencies who may be affected by floodwaters anticipated in that region. The proactive deployment of these fourteen specially-trained, certified and equipped Los Angeles Firefighters will focus on all types of water rescue. The LAFD Swift Water Rescue Team is now traveling the 275+ miles toward Merced County 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 may be 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 exclusively by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services or their designated representative.; - Brian Humphrey