| Marion County Fire Rescue’s Urban Search and Rescue team, Task Force 8, received over $904K in grant funding from the State of Florida’s Freedom First Budget, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2022. This funding will prove critical in maintaining Task Force 8’s vehicle fleet, rescue equipment and world-class training.
“Our world-class Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams serve an important role in assisting state and local first responders during disasters,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am proud to be able to provide record state funding to Florida’s eight US&R teams which will better prepare Florida for the next disaster.”
Task Force 8 has allotted more than $724K for machinery and equipment, more than $140K for operating supplies and more than $36K on personal protective equipment. MCFR Deputy Chief Robert Graff, Task Force 8’s team leader, stated, “We would like to thank Governor DeSantis and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis for this funding to modernize and standardize machinery and equipment provided to each of the eight Florida Urban Search and Rescue teams. This funding will prove crucial whether we deploy in support of disasters here in our home state or in other states.” Task Force 8 deployed to the Champlain Tower Collapse in Surfside and most recently to rescue efforts in Lee County in support of Hurricane Ian.
Since the Florida US&R system was created in 2001, these teams have provided invaluable support during disasters. US&R teams also play an important role in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane by conducting search and rescue missions and helping to clear a path to the most devastated areas to help provide lifesaving actions and aid utility crews and emergency road clearance teams.
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