Teams from Montgomery County have returned home after aiding in wildfire rescue efforts in Hawaii.
This month, Maryland Task Force 1 was deployed to Maui to support search and rescue operations. FEMA activated two FEMA canine handler teams from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) — Alan Rossi, with his dog, Phirst, as well as John Gilkey with his dog, Piper.
Maryland Task Force 1 and canine teams returned Tuesday, according to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer.
72 task force members from MCFRS were debriefed when they arrived back and were released for a mandatory 72-hour rest period, according to Assistant Chief David Pazos.
Members from allied agencies in Washington, D.C., Prince George’s County and Howard County also returned, per Piringer.
Feature photo via MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer.
72 MCFRS @MDTF1 members arrived safely home, were given a quick debrief, and released for a well-deserved mandatory 72-hr rest period. @mcfrsPIO @DavidPazos15 https://t.co/4CihKBBL4G pic.twitter.com/lq0tpa88Wg
— David Pazos (@DavidPazos14) August 29, 2023
