Lieutenant Nick Jones of the Westerville Fire Department has returned home after spending 21 days on hurricane relief efforts with Ohio Task Force 1’s Urban Search and Rescue Team. The team, consisting of 82 members, was deployed to assist in Florida and North Carolina, areas devastated by severe storms.
Their mission began in Orlando, where the team was stationed ahead of Hurricane Helene, preparing for the storm’s arrival with its high winds and heavy rain. Once the storm passed, Jones and his team shifted their focus to Asheville, North Carolina, to assist in the aftermath of the hurricane’s destructive effects, including flooding and mudslides. According to the City of Westerville, Jones worked closely with canine specialists to search through the wreckage in Cherokee and Boone counties, where entire properties had been destroyed.
As Hurricane Milton struck, Jones and his team returned to Orlando to respond to new challenges. A mobile home park had been severely damaged by two tornadoes spawned by the storm, requiring a meticulous search and rescue operation.
In a recent interview with the City of Westerville, Jones described his role as a Rescue Specialist: “My role is boots on the ground. I conduct operations on the searches, executing door-to-door as well as targeted site searches. If we find someone in distress or in need of treatment, we have all the tools at hand to effectively treat them in nearly any situation.” His statement highlights the critical role of these first responders, who are equipped to handle any crisis, no matter the scale.
Jones’ dedication, along with the efforts of his fellow task force members, demonstrates the strength and resolve of public servants who go above and beyond to help communities in crisis. As Florida and North Carolina continue to rebuild, they do so with the invaluable support of people like Lieutenant Nick Jones, whose courage and compassion cross state lines and bring hope to those in need.
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