MISSOURI – The extreme devastation from Hurricane Helene is prompting Missouri Task Force 1 to make contingency plans in the event their presence is requested beyond the typical 14-day deployment.
“There’s a lot of work to be done,” Gale Blomenkamp, assistant fire chief for the Boone County Fire Protection District and spokesman for the task force, said.
The specialized search and rescue unit is based out of the Boone County Fire Protection District in mid-Missouri.
Blomenkamp said members have been walking through knee-deep mud along riverbanks and navigating through piles of debris during their deployment.
Part of the assignment includes assessing infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water towers. Rescue operations have now shifted to a focus on recovery with help from K-9s trained to detect human remains.
“It’s difficult work, but our crews are in good spirits, and they’re glad to be helping neighbors,” he said. “The importance of this work is getting closure to the families that still have loved ones that are missing.”
The task force consists of first responders from throughout the state, including the St. Louis area.
Blomenkamp said deployments can be stressful for family members who, in some cases, are unable to reach their loved ones due to poor cell phone service.
“We could not be out there helping the other citizens of this great country without the support of the families and the employers,” Blomeknamp added. “I just want people to know across the state that we appreciate it, the fire district appreciates it, and without their support, we wouldn’t have a Missouri Task Force 1.”
On Friday, the American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis deployed more resources to assist with hurricane efforts. A disaster relief vehicle capable of being used as a distribution area for meals departed along with volunteer Brett Williams.
“The area has been devastated,” he said.
He will help distribute meals. Williams said volunteering has led to the type of gratitude that’s left him feeling he receives more than he gives.
Beth Elders, the executive director for the American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis, agrees with Williams’ assessment.
“The first time they get that hug or the first time they (volunteers) get that first story of what people have just been through, it reminds them of the impact that even one person can make,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
The American Red Cross continues to seek financial support and volunteers to help provide relief disaster relief. Elders said the process to become a volunteer is simple.
“Go to RedCross.org/volunteer and then click on the shelter button. You’ll have an opportunity to fill out a background check and do some training and other information, and we should be able to get you to the impacted areas within three weeks or so,” she said.
She said anyone wanting to help can also call 1-800-Red-Cross.
