Missouri Task Force 1 returns home after 19 day deployment

Family and friends welcomed the task force members home after efforts in North Carolina for Hurricane Florence.

Personnel made their homecoming at the Boone County Fire Protection District Headquarters in Columbia, Missouri.

“Once we get everyone home it’s a huge relief off of my mind,” said Missouri Task Force 1 Leader Randy Sanders.

Saunders said the task force worked in Brunswick and Pender County.

Personnel performed search and rescues immediately after the storm hit and worked around the clock.

“We would have guys available within five minutes to get into the boats,” he said.

Saunders said he has worked with the task force for over 15 years.

“Other than my family, this is the most important thing I do,” he said. “Bringing them home is a big deal for me.”

Joan Cotton has two sons on the task force. She said she is relieved to welcome them home.

“I’m still a momma even though they are older boys,” she said. “I’m very proud of them and I still get nervous when they’re deployed.”

The Type III response included 37 personnel, 10 ground support, more than 100,00 pounds of equipment and 14 swift water rescue technicians.