Indiana assists Texas search and rescue, deploying first responders, K9 units

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Homeland Security issued a release on Friday stating that a handful of first responders and K9 units have arrived in Texas.

The aid follows the dangerous weather and flooding burdening the southern state, which now has more than 170 missing people and at least 121 pronounced dead.

Indiana deployed a small team to aid in the search and rescue efforts in Texas through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

The highly trained team includes five first responders:

• Chief Jeremy Pell and K9 Rosie, White River Township Fire Department.
• Officer Carter Pell, Speedway Police Department.
• Lt. David Scholl, White River Township Fire Department.
• Sergeant Matthew Zarrella and K9 Toby, retired Rhode Island State Police Canine Commander.
• Amy Sitler and K9 Luna, Indiana Department of Homeland Security.