Florida US&R Task Force 4

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FL-TF4 update 9/1/23. FL-TF4, Central Florida MARC 5, Florida Task Force 8, and Missourri Task Force 1 completed hasty searches of Lafayette County. Marc 5 provided comms for the operating squads, ensuring effective communication. The teams ensured every structure within the county was assessed while offering aide to the remaining residents. With every disaster, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to serve the residents of Florida. It is humbling to see residents who have experienced devastating losses still offer whatever they may have to assist our teams.

Thank you, Chief Jimmy Patronis and Governor Ron DeSantis for ensuring Florida's preparedness. Your relentless support for Florida's USAR System and Florida's first responders has enabled us to perform effectively and efficiently to ensure the safety of Florida's residents over multiple natural disasters. Central Florida MARC 5

Florida Task Force 4 is heading home after a 3 day training exercise where Florida's Urban Search and Rescue System came together for one of the largest training exercises in its history. During this mission, the team overcame various challenges, exercised nearly all of its capabilities, and integrated with various federal, state, and local assets. In total, more than 300 USAR members and 25 members of Florida's MARC program came together to ensure our state's readiness to respond to any natural or man made disaster.

Day 14. TF4 has completed its longest mission in team history and is wheels up heading home. We hope that we served the people of SW Florida well. We can't express enough gratitude for the hospitality by Tom and his staff at Jetblue Park as well as Virginia and the staff at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Our team, although tired, is excited to get home to their families. We stand ready for the next call to serve.

After 10 long days of supporting the search and rescue missions following Hurricane Ian, Florida Task Force 4 took a few minutes to enjoy a friendly game of wiffleball against Massachusetts Task Force 1 on the home turf of the Boston Redsox spring training grounds. Good time all the way around with great guys.

Members of Task Force 4 stopped by to check on a fellow retired USAR brother from FL Task Force 2 who rode Ian out in his attic in St. James City on Pine Island. Still in great spirits after everything that has happened.

It's been great having you with the Team Jim!

USAR4 BOAT SEARCH This is "USAR4 BOAT SEARCH" by City of Fort Lauderdale on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Great job Matt Jaynes! Crews have been working hard and have now been missioned to perform primary and secondary searches on Pine Island with FLTF-5 and MD-1.

USAR4 BOAT SEARCH This is "USAR4 BOAT SEARCH" by City of Fort Lauderdale on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Task Force 4 continues to conduct search and rescue operations in Fort Meyers. After conducting operations in Matlacha and Punta Gorda, we are focusing our efforts on vessels stranded in and around Matanzas Harbor and Matanzas Pass in a joint effort with FWC. Rations and water were provided to 6 survivors who weathered the storm on the water. We continue to work with the 16 other task forces in Lee County until the job is done.

Members of Task Force 4 worked through the night to rescue over 100 residents trapped by flood waters as a result of Hurricane Ian. Crews will continue to help as many people as possible. City of Orlando - Government

TF4 training to maintain readiness while in staging. Hoping to deploy to affected areas tomorrow.

Task Force 4 staged at the Orange County Convention Center waiting for Ian to pass. Praying for southwest Florida. We stand ready to deploy as soon as weather permits.

Congratulations Alex!

Orange County Fire Rescue Firefighter Alex Ralls was recognized by CFO Jimmy Patronis as the Florida Task Force 4 Team Member of the Year - 2021. This honor was shared by others who were recognized as well. OCFRD is extremely proud of Alex's work on the team and for his contribution in representing Orange County FL!

Representatives from all 8 Florida Task Forces.

They say communication is the key to success. Each morning and each night the Task Force Leader briefs the team on plans for the upcoming operational period. Each manager discusses the operations from the day. Tonight we said a prayer for the residents of Louisiana and our brothers and sisters from each Task Force working in theatre. These events remind the team how fortunate we really are.

For the second time in 1 year, Task Force 4 departed Orlando for Baton Rouge this morning for a 14 day mission back to Louisiana for Hurricane Ida. With Hurricane Laura fresh in our minds. We pray for the people of Louisiana once again.

To the families of the Task Force 4 deployed members:
Please join us at the Task Force 4 warehouse 4507 36th St. Orlando, for a reunification of members and families at 2 p.m. today. We anticipate the team arriving just after 3p.m. Thank you, for allowing your family member to deploy with our team and serve our community.

Task Force 4 has completed its final op period on the pile. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to assist the residents of Surfside. This operation included all 8 Florida Task Forces and is now expanding to teams from around the country. Last night, our team gathered to pay respects to all the lives lost in surfside and reflect on the magnitude of this event. Task Force 4 is heading home tired with bumps and bruises but blessed to have the opportunity to return to our families. Today's team highlight goes out to all of the Task Force 4 members deployed in Surfside, each of you exemplified what it means to be a part of Florida's USAR community.

Tonight, prior to beginning ops on the pile, USAR teams conducted a brief with FEMA'S Blue IST. FL-1 FL-3, FL-4 and VA-2 all began their operation at midnight. Teams are continuing to push through extremely complex operations and working hard despite thunderstorms and high temperatures. Florida's USAR system wants to thank all of the federal teams on the road tonight, coming to provide assistance in this operation.

All members of TF-4 are currently safe and resting at our base of operation. We were pulled off the pile at 2am over concerns of structural stability of the remaining building. A large group of structural engineers are currently collaborating to confirm the building's integrity. Command's primary concern is rescuer safety and we will not resume work until that is assured.