The Lincoln based Nebraska Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue team has been in Arkansas since Friday assist people following severe storms that slammed the region. Captain Ashley Engler is the program manager and says the team has performed recon in high-risk areas, responded to 911 requests and completed several water rescues.
“One occupant was stranded in their vehicle and surrounded by water,” Engler says. “Nebraska Task Force 1 quickly moved in to execute a high-risk rescue in dangerous swift water and rising flood conditions to ensure the safe rescue of the occupant.” Engler says several more rescues have been performed throughout the past few days. The team will remain in Arkansas for now, responding to all requests they receive from local agencies.
“Nebraska Task Force One is here in Arkansas as a part of a coordinated federal response effort supporting the state at their request due to severe flooding and excessive rainfall impacting communities across the Region,” says Task Force Leader Dan Ripley.
NE-TF1 brought the equipment and personnel needed for water rescues and other water emergencies. Ripley says they are self sufficient for 14 days. “We provide specialized capabilities including swift, wide area searches, structural assessment in challenging and hazardous environments.”
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