Montgomery County sends more help, Bjt, DC
ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) -- Montgomery County sent more help to flood-ravaged New Orleans on Monday.
''They put out a call for help and we answered it,'' said Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer.
Seventy-five county firefighters, police, sheriff's deputies and support units were part of a 20 vehicle caravan expected to arrive in New Orleans on Tuesday.
''Our mission will be to relieve the New Orleans Fire Department who have had folks on duty almost nonstop,'' Piringer said. Four fire engines, two ladder trucks, an EMS unit and support vehicles with firefighting gear are making the trip. The crew is bringing supplies like fuel and food so they can be self-sufficient.
County Fire Chief Tom Carr said he spoke with his counterpart in New Orleans, who is in desperate need of help.
''They've been working straight through, and when I talked to him he said, 'We just need a break. We're shot,''' Carr said.
The police and deputies will provide security for the others. Piringer said everyone was immunized against hepatitis, tetanus and meningitis.
''I've had 20 years on the job, seen quite a bit of bad things. I'm sure it'll be worse than anything I've ever encountered,'' said firefighter Steve Wiseman.
Also along on the trip is what Piringer called an EMS strike team comprised of about 45 members from across Maryland. They will go to West Jefferson Medical Center in New Orleans to help treat patients and recover bodies.
Meanwhile, after about a week on the job -- and three rescues -- Montgomery's Urban Search and Rescue Team is demobilizing.
''Their mission is complete,'' Piringer said. The team was heading out of Waveland, Miss., and was expected to stop at a military base in Atlanta before returning to Montgomery County late Tuesday.
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