SWEETWATER, FLA. (WSVN) - As first responders return from Southwest Florida after their search and rescue efforts, more than two dozen officials awaited their return to go back out to the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ian.
Several officers from the Miami-Dade Police Department gathered outside of the communications center to greet and replace the 25 members of the department’s Rapid Deployment Force, Wednesday morning.
The deployment force assisted Task Forces 1 and 2 on their mission to search for any human remains following the hurricane.
“Having experienced it ourselves, here locally, I think everyone is prepared to carry out this mission and be successful and represent our department,” said Police Sgt. Brad Burke. “We’re not staying in four star hotels. We’re prepared for that mentally, but as far as physically, they have cots, air-conditioned tents.”
The new group will be in Charlotte County for the next week and stay outdoors.
Teams returning to the Southwest coast planned to rebuild the community by putting tarps on roofs, removing debris and passing out food and water to those in need with anything that people over there need help with.
“As you see, one team just came back, another team is going up there to provide help, and we’ll continue to do so as long as they need us,” said Miami-Dade Police Department Director Freddy Ramirez.
MDPD Lt. Jorge Audino witnessed the destruction, wind and water damage, but despite the wreckage, he said people were in good spirits.
“It was a humbling experience. That community was amazing,” said Audino. “They supported us 100%. They’re a really resilient community. Although they’ve lost everything, they haven’t lost hope.”
The crew heading out will be on the other side of Florida for about one week as more in the communities continue to send help.
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