Spokane Fire Department’s FEMA Teams and the Katrina Effort Update:
Our first 3 teams (HAUGHTON/WILLITS, TURPEN/GONZALEZ, ARCHER/ BAECHLER) are still working in Past Christian, MS. At the time of my phone call, they were boarding a helicopter to survey an area of interest. So far they have been one of the busiest teams deployed from Washington State. They have helped build a temporary City Hall, performed damage assessments, restored critical infrastructure and provide first aid (unofficially) and nourishment to the refugees. Their interaction with the victims has provided them with many stories of the devastating loss suffered; total loss of all personal belongings, home, vehicle, identification, money and businesses, etc. The many suffering are pleased to receive the assistance our six firefighters are providing and express their gratitude. The teams are working 16 hour days at times to serve the mass need.
Our second two teams (FRASER/ TIBBLES, SANDERS/ BRUNER) were sent from Atlanta, GA to Orlando, FL (6+ hour drive) yesterday to attend two days of fun-filled FEMA computer training (on laptops) to use in the field during damage assessments. The laptops will enable our personnel to identify the refugees and speed their access to FEMA funds and information. They are expected to be deployed to a damaged area tomorrow night or Sunday.
I will continue to update everyone as the soon as new information on our members occurs. Remember to check with Francie Archer if you are available to help out the families of our members that are deployed.
Brian Schaeffer
City of Spokane Fire Department
Assistant Fire Chief
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