Toledo, Ohio – In response to catastrophic flooding caused by a powerful winter storm in Kentucky, Ohio Task Force 1, an urban search and rescue team based in Dayton, has been activated to assist with ongoing relief efforts. The team, consisting of 47 highly trained first responders and specialists from across the state, departed from their headquarters early Sunday morning, bound for Frankfort, Kentucky, to help with search and rescue operations.
The storm, which swept through Kentucky, has left at least eight people dead and many others displaced as the floodwaters ravaged homes and businesses. As floodwaters continued to rise, the urgency for specialized rescue teams increased, prompting the swift mobilization of Ohio Task Force 1.
Among the responders leading the mission is Toledo Fire and Rescue Department Assistant Fire Chief John Kaminski, who is helping coordinate the team’s efforts. The team will provide critical support in search and rescue operations, helping to locate survivors and assist local agencies in stabilizing the situation.
Ohio Task Force 1 is well-equipped for these high-stakes missions, with experts in structural collapse, swift-water rescue, medical response, and technical search. Their experience in handling complex rescue scenarios makes them an invaluable asset in times of disaster. The team’s departure on Sunday follows the state’s tradition of offering assistance to neighboring states facing significant emergencies, reinforcing the importance of cooperation among local and regional response teams.
While the full scale of the storm’s devastation is still being assessed, the prompt action of Ohio’s first responders offers a glimmer of hope to those struggling in the aftermath of the winter storm. As Ohio Task Force 1 begins its work in Kentucky, other states and agencies are likely to follow suit, providing much-needed support as recovery efforts continue.