The following press release was issued via the Flagler County Fire Rescue:
For Immediate Release
Flagler County Fire Rescue on Tuesday deployed relief for the five members sent last week as part of a “Strike Team” to Fort Myers Beach to staff one of the firehouses there for a total of 10 days – two five-day deployments. Battalion Chief Cody King, Community Paramedic Rob Errett, and firefighter-paramedics Justin McDonald, Ron Titus, and Adam VanDeusen were sent to replace Lt. Karl Froling, Lt. Tony Guerin, Reuben Zuazua, Beau Kruithoff, and Prince Mack.
Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker assembled the members to serve on the Strike Team, including specially certified Strike Team Leaders.
“These are replacements for our members who are already there,” Tucker said. “We are set to demobilize on November 1.”
The firefighters will shuttle back and forth in department pickup trucks and leave the engine in Fort Myers Beach through the entire 10-day mission.
“To date, the team has been dealing with gas leaks, medical calls, and construction accidents,” Tucker said. “They are starting to bring the power back to the island of Fort Myers Beach, which is when you start to see fires.”
County Administrator Heidi Petito feels fortunate to be able to send support to southwest Florida.
“We were extremely fortunate that things were not worse here, and that we have the resources to send,” Petito said. “You have to support other agencies when they need the help most, and we’re glad to be able to do it.”
