Killeen, Tx (FOX 44) – Seven Killeen firefighters are assisting in hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina and Florida, following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Killeen Fire Battalion Chief Phillip Bannister first deployed to Florida for Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, as a Technical Search Specialist on Texas A&M Task Force 1. He was a Search Team Manager, Water Squad Leader and Swiftwater Boat Operator Instructor for the TX-TF1 State Water Rescue Team, as well as a member of the Training Committee. He was then reassigned to North Carolina to deliver aid, assess damage and perform in search efforts.
This week, six more Killeen firefighters were deployed to Florida as a part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact request. Squad leader Captain Mark Whiteley, Fire Rescue Office and assistant squad leader/boat operator Stephen Mahlstedt, boat operator, Captain Ryan Mighell, Captain Marvin Taylor- Bowman, Fire Rescue Officer, Mark DiGiAcomo Bowman and Fire Rescue Officer and medic, Joshua Menix- Bowman are water rescue techs joining 20+ other personnel with eight inflatable boats and supplies to assist TX-TF1 teams.
“Unfortunately for many of our team members, this will be the worst disaster they’ve ever experienced,” Chief Jim Kubinski said. “We train year-round for events like this, but it can take an emotional toll on them. We have in-house mental health assistance for them when they return.”
At least 12 people are dead and millions remain without power, following Hurricane Milton in Florida. At least 1,000 people and 105 animals have been rescued, according to the Associated Press. There are more than two dozen search and rescue teams made up of more than 1,600 people, and ten Swift Water Teams involved, as well as thousands of National Guard members.
As rescue efforts continue in North Carolina, the death toll has surpassed 230, in a disaster that affected six states. It’s the deadliest mainland hurricane since Katrina in 2005. Most roads in western North Carolina are now back open to emergency vehicles.
A typical deployment for Killeen’s fire teams is 14 days, although Fire Battalion Chief Bannister’s time has been extended to 21 days. An 80-person team from across Texas deployed to assist in the hurricane relief and they have been working around the clock.
The Killeen Fire Department has consistently proven that its members are always ready to serve. They take pride in their quick response times to local emergencies, whether it’s a medical crisis, structure fire, wildfire or natural disaster.