Our thoughts are with the residents of Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas as they deal with the aftermaths of multiple storms that affected those regions over the last several weeks.
On April 26, SDF-trained teams Damon Wirth & Koa and Adam Schaaf & Dodger responded after a tornado hit the Lincoln, Nebraska, area, destroying several structures. Damon and Koa searched an industrial building with a very large footprint and varied rubble and debris. Koa was able to clear the space quickly and confirm there were no trapped victims inside.
On May 6, SDF-trained team Justin Montgomery & Stryker responded with their teammates on Oklahoma Task Force 1 to assist in search operations following a tornado that tore through the area near Barnsdall, Oklahoma. The search teams, along with members of regional fire departments, police, and medical services, searched throughout the night, mapping the completed areas before concluding their mission.
On May 22, SDF-trained teams Laura Denison & Flyer, Scott Hofstetter & Amber, and Kevin Tatro & Dempsey deployed with members of Iowa Task Force 1 after a deadly EF4 tornado struck Greenfield, Iowa. After searching the debris for 30 hours, the teams determined that no one was left unaccounted for. Tragically, five people lost their lives, dozens were injured, and hundreds more were left without homes in the wake of the tornado’s destruction.
Our hearts go out to all those affected as they begin to recover from the tragic loss of life and the damage caused by this devastating series of storms. We are so grateful that our disaster search teams were in place and ready to respond when these communities so desperately needed them.