In preparation for the homecoming of five MFRD crew members who deployed to South Carolina Sunday, Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks is sending eight additional crew members to continue assisting with rescue efforts in that state.
"We have had a lot of feedback on the impact our teams have made in the area. They have completed several rescues of people and pets and have conducted several welfare checks. We received a tremendous outpouring of love and appreciation from South Carolinians via Facebook posts and messages and even phone calls to the office. We are sending additional personnel because there is still work to be done. We are proud of the personnel that are returning on Friday and those deploying today."
One Facebook post read, “I personally want to thank y'all for coming down to SC to provide much needed assistance! About an hour ago, your Captain knocked on my front door, just to check to see if I was OK and if I had any needs or utility concerns, etc. I truly was amazed and expressed my gratitude to him. They are going to every house in my neighborhood. That is hundreds of homes! THANK YOU!!!!”
Rescue Techs Chris Ayers, Steve Ellison, Jacob Follis, Doug Inglish, Chase Martin, Josh Oliver, Matt Welcome, and Mitchell Whittenburg left MFRD Fire Administration shortly after 8:30 Thursday morning. The duration of their deployment is unclear at this time. Chief Foulks anticipates that the team will initially be deployed to the Columbia area and will receive assignments from there.
The initial team sent from MFRD is expected to leave South Carolina sometime Friday morning.
(L to R): Firefighter Jacob Follis, Firefighter Mitchell Whittenburg, Firefighter Matt Welcome, Driver Josh Oliver, Firefighter Steve Ellison, Driver Doug Inglish, Driver Chase Martin, and Driver Chris Ayers.