Montgomery, AL – On Saturday, Governor Kay Ivey announced that Alabama is expanding its support to Texas by deploying additional firefighters to assist with ongoing search and rescue operations following severe flooding across the state. This move follows the initial deployment of Alabama Task Force 1 earlier in the week.
The newly deployed personnel come from fire departments in Mountain Brook, Hoover, Guntersville, Vestavia Hills, Decatur, and Fort Payne. These responders will form two Type III Swift Water Teams, specially trained to operate in large-scale flood conditions. Their mission includes both search and rescue efforts and recovery operations in areas experiencing ongoing and forecasted flooding.
“Alabama’s response to Texas is growing even stronger,” said Governor Ivey in a statement posted to social media on Saturday. “We are sending more boots on the ground from Central and North Alabama, and these brave men and women are trained, prepared and committed to making a difference.”
The initial team deployed on Thursday, July 10, while the second and third waves of responders were dispatched on Saturday, July 12. Each team will operate in 12-hour shifts for up to 14 days, depending on mission needs.
Governor Ivey emphasized the state’s commitment to aiding Texas in its time of need, stating, “Whether it’s by boat, by rope or by air, these teams are trained to get the job done. Alabama stands with Texas – and we’re not letting up.”
Following the storm’s devastation, Alabama swiftly aligned its emergency resources to answer Texas’ request for help. All Alabama teams remain actively engaged in support efforts as flooding conditions continue to evolve.
