On Sunday, August 31, the Los Angeles County Fire Department deployed a 14-member Swift Water Team to Louisiana to support logistical and potential rescue operations for those affected by Hurricane Gustav.
The team assembled out of the Technical Operations Center in Pacoima and prepared for a caravan to the Gulf Area. The crew will be there for an unknown amount of time to assist and support the Office of Emergency Services for the State of Louisiana. The team is one of seven supporting FEMA teams, which responded to the Gulf States Region.
The members of the Department’s Swift Water Team are well trained individuals that specialize in various water rescue skills, including working with watercraft and search equipment to perform life saving missions.