Crews and equipment from two local Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) divisions are in Florida helping with hurricane recovery, according to MABAS 24 Director Kevin Welsh.
Florida recently was hit by two major hurricanes in succession. Hurricane Helene made landfall on Sept. 24, and Hurricane Milton arrived on Oct. 9.
for Florida last week to help with hurricane recovery.
(Provided photo)
The 22 members from south suburban divisions 24 and 27 arrived early Friday morning, Oct. 11, and were scheduled to serve for 15 days, Welsh said.
From MABAS 24, Flossmoor, Markham and Thornton provided fire engines. From MABAS 27, Beecher and South Chicago Heights provided engines. The team also took two chiefs’ cars, each pulling generators, and tents and supplies so the crews can be self-sufficient rather than depending initially on local resources for food and shelter, Welsh said.
In addition to personnel from those villages, the team included staff from Sauk Village, Crete, Munster, Calumet City and South Holland.
Lansing Fire Chief Chad Kooyenga is leading the team.
Welsh said the team had not yet gotten a specific assignment as of early Friday afternoon, but in storm recovery situations tasks could include searching for survivors, checking the integrity of damaged structures, helping with property preservation and delivering food to people.
Sometimes teams take shifts at local fire departments to relieve exhausted crews.
MABAS divisions are funded by member communities, but Welsh said most of the costs of personnel and equipment will eventually be reimbursed by state or federal governments. MABAS divisions generally pick up the tab for travel expenses like food and fuel, he said.