Kansas sends swift-water rescue team to Texas

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas is sending its Task Force 1, consisting of two Type 3 swift-water search and rescue teams, to Texas to help with the areas hit by deadly flooding and heavy rains.

On July 12, Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas has deployed two Type 3 swift-water rescue teams to impacted areas of Texas. The teams will be assigned to Kerrville and Kerr County.

“Our hearts go out to the families and communities in Texas who these devastating floods have impacted,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Kansas is always ready to send assistance to other states when disasters strike.”

The response follows Texas’ request to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management for assistance in the disaster. The request was made as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a multistate mutual aid agreement. As part of the agreement, Kansas will be reimbursed fo the cost of deployment.

“Kansas has again answered the call to assist,” Mark Engholm, Kansas Fire Marshal said. “Our goal is to provide professionally trained rescuers and equipment where they are needed most, support rescue efforts, and help alleviate suffering caused by the devastating flooding in Texas.”

The rescue teams will be using hard-bottom inflatable boats with personnel being sent from the Kansas State Fire Marshal, Chanute Fire Department, Kansas City Kansas Fire Department, Olathe Fire Department, Salina Fire Department, Shawnee Kansas Fire Department and Sedgwick County Fire District #1.

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