Missouri Task Force One returns home

After 10 days on the hurricane-damaged east coast, Missouri Task Force 1 has returned home.

The task force, comprised of first responders from across Missouri, was deployed to Georgia on October 6. It spent most of its time in North Carolina.

The Boone County Fire Protection District says the task force engaged in water rescues in Lumberton, NC. Members were relocated to Kinston, NC to await anticipated flooding, and were demobilized on Saturday, October 15.

Family members, friends and colleagues had signs, balloons and cheers as Task Force 1’s convoy exited i-70 at Stadium just after 3:00 Monday afternoon.

The parade of vehicles included emergency vehicles, tractor trailers containing more than 100-thousand pounds of equipment and gear, as well as, the bus carrying the task force members.

One of the participating task force agencies is the Jefferson City Fire Department. JCFD Chief Matt Schofield says the members of the task force are “the best of the best.”