Dixon rescue team heads to Texas to aid in flooding disaster

DIXON, Ill. (WTVO) — A Dixon rescue team, led by Ethan Johnson, has traveled to central Texas to aid the state’s rescue teams after flooding ravaged the area.

At least 110 people died, and several others are still missing because of the natural disaster.

“This is probably the worst that I’ve ever seen,” said Johnson. “I’m the one who signed the authorization for our groups to go ahead and stage up to be ready.”

The search and rescue team is comprised of experienced firefighters and paramedics. Five members joined the rest of the crew this weekend.

“They’re all working together to clear debris and search for survivors or victims,” the team’s leader explained.

“Our mission is to alleviate pain and suffering in affected communities during natural disasters,” Johnson continued. “So we’ll go in immediately after these storms pass. We will do a search and rescue, and then we will distribute supplies and help everybody out.”

The high-risk mission could take another week to complete, but Johnson believes his team is prepared.

“All of our guys are well-trained, and they know what to expect, and we will never put them in a situation where they will hurt themselves or others,” Johnson concluded.