Tuscaloosa Swift Water Rescue Team Will Not Deploy To Louisiana

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — An 18-member Swift Water Rescue team from Tuscaloosa Fire & Rescue will not deploy to Louisiana for Hurricane Laura relief after all.

TFR Spokeswoman Holly Whigham said Thursday night saw the state of Louisiana issue a stand down on all additional requested out of state resources.

"The TFR team was prepared and ready to go after the request earlier this week but will not be deploying to Louisiana after the notice yesterday evening," she said in a statement to Patch.

Patch previously reported the team spent Wednesday night preparing for the deployment, which came at the request of the Alabama Mutual Aid System (AMAS) within the Alabama Emergency Management Agency from Louisiana.

The team from Tuscaloosa was set to respond with eight vehicles pulling a variety of trailers and boats, all with the goal of assisting as needed with search and rescue operations, evacuations and damage assessment.