CULLMAN, Ala. – Two Cullman Fire Rescue personnel have been deployed to Texas as part of an Alabama response to dangerous flooding and rapidly rising water.
Engineer Keith Bates and Engineer Craig Duncan are serving as members of Alabama Task Force 3, a north Alabama-based urban search-and-rescue team that operates through the Alabama Mutual Aid System.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday that Alabama deployed four Type III Swiftwater search-and-rescue teams to assist Texas with ongoing life-threatening flooding. The deployment includes responders from Mobile, Lauderdale, Cullman, Marshall, DeKalb, Jefferson, Shelby and Chilton counties.
Each eight-person team deployed with multiple boats built to support search, rescue and recovery operations in active flood zones, according to the governor’s office.
“Alabamians always stand ready to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need. I pray for Texans who are once again dealing with raging floodwaters,” Ivey said. “I thank our fellow Alabamians serving on the search-and-rescue teams and offer my prayers for a successful mission and safe return home.”
Bates and Duncan are working alongside responders from Fort Payne and Guntersville as part of Alabama Task Force 3, according to information released by the City of Cullman.
The team is stationed in Zapata, Texas, where members remain on alert and prepared to deploy as conditions and assignments demand.
The city said team members recently launched a boat to investigate a debris pile in the water. No rescue or recovery action was needed.
While awaiting further assignments, the team has continued joint training with Alabama Task Force 1 and may also train with Missouri Task Force 1. The training is intended to maintain readiness as flood conditions and operational needs change.
Cullman Fire Rescue is an active member of the Alabama Mutual Aid System’s Division F Response Team, also known as Alabama Task Force 3. The department’s Technical Rescue Team is trained for water and swift-water emergencies, structural collapses, confined-space rescues, rope rescues and other complex incidents.
Based on the latest information provided by the city, the deployment is not expected to extend beyond Friday. The team plans to travel to San Antonio on Friday to begin demobilization before returning home, with arrival in Alabama most likely Sunday.
The City of Cullman thanked Bates, Duncan and all personnel assisting Texas during the flood response. Additional updates will be released as they become available.
