Governor Gavin Newsom expressed gratitude today to the dedicated first responders who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure the safety of Californians amid unprecedented winter storms. The state’s response, initiated by Governor Newsom in late January, has mobilized over 8,500 personnel to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the record-breaking weather.
Governor Newsom acknowledged the diverse efforts of the response, encompassing support for communities in areas such as roadways, flood operations, rescue teams, and sheltering. The scale of the all-of-government response reflects the gravity of the storms that have affected nearly all residents of the state.
A key component of the state’s efforts has been the deployment of swift water rescue teams, consisting of assets from both the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and CAL FIRE. These teams have executed a total of 47 rescues and provided assistance in six locally-led rescue operations. The collaborative nature of these state operations has seamlessly complemented the ongoing efforts of local governments engaged in their own rescue missions.