Gov. McMaster deploys South Carolina team to help with Texas flood response

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Governor Henry McMaster will deploy South Carolina Task Force 1, the state’s Urban Search and Rescue team, to help with response and recovery efforts in the wake of severe and deadly flooding in Texas.

According to the governor’s office, SC-TF1 will deploy a “Canine Search and Rescue Mission Ready Package,” which will include five personnel and two human remains detection K-9s.

The deployment comes at the direct request of Texas Governor Greg Abbott during a phone call with Gov. McMaster on Monday.

“Team South Carolina stands ready to offer any support we can,” said Gov. McMaster. “In some of our toughest moments, the people of Texas were there for us. Now, it’s our duty to return that support and stand by our friends in their time of need.”

The mission is conducted through a partnership with South Carolina Foothills Search & Rescue, a K-9 Search and Rescue organization based in Greenville, South Carolina. Those involved have undergone rigorous training and certification to meet national standards for disaster response.

“The deployment of SC-TF1 reflects South Carolina’s continued commitment to supporting disaster response efforts nationwide when called upon,” said Chad Beam, Assistant Chief of Emergency Response for South Carolina State Fire. “The team remains in close coordination with national and state emergency management officials, standing ready to assist wherever needed.”

The mission is coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the national mutual aid system that facilitates state-to-state disaster assistance.