SACRAMENTO — As the aftermath of Hurricane Helene unfolds, California’s first responders are stepping up to help those affected in Florida.
Approximately 120 first responders from across the Golden State, including Sacramento, are helping in various roles. Sacramento is teaming up with other federal response members from across the nation in a management position.
Larry Collins, deputy chief of Special Ops HazMat with the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), emphasized the importance of this nationwide response, stating: “We go there because it’s about neighbor helping neighbor. They would help us if we had a big disaster.”
It’s part of a plan that launched in the 90s, with rotational system of emergency responders organized to go where they are needed most. Collins calls this mutual aid is essential.
“When it happens here in California and we need the help, we can rely on these other 20 urban search and rescue teams from other states to help us,” Collins said.