Round Rock Firefighters Deployed To Louisiana As Ida Hits Land

ROUND ROCK, TX — Five Round Rock firefighters have been deployed to Louisiana to assist with the devastation caused over the weekend by Hurricane Ida as part of a larger contingent of first responders sent by Texas state officials.

Round Rock Battalion Chief Gunther von Seltmann was part of the Texas State Task Force that left for Louisiana on Sunday, city officials said Monday. The task force was sent along with other first responders and personnel and specialized and technical equipment that will help the coordinated efforts already taking place locally.

On Monday, Round Rock firefighters Jeremy Porter, Lt. Manuel Bruner, Jerik Kondoff and driver Steven Puckett departed for Louisiana with a city fire truck through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, which will assist with efforts needed as local residents deal with the effects of the storm.

Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana just before noon on Sunday with maximized sustained winds of 150 mph., officials said. Ida was later downgraded to a tropical storm but is still expected to bring heavy winds and flooding to the state.

Texas governor Greg Abbott deployed 132 firefighters from around the state to Louisiana on Monday along with numerous resources after being asked for assistance by Louisiana state officials, the governor’s office announced. The fire engine from Round Rock was one of 30 such vehicles sent to Louisiana, a news release said, along with other emergency personnel as part of the response to help those in need in Louisiana.

"The State of Texas is proud to support our neighbors in Louisiana by sending emergency resources and personnel to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida," Abbott said in a statement. "We will never forget the kindness, generosity, and support offered by the people of Louisiana during Hurricane Harvey four years ago, and we are eager to support them in their own time of need. When neighbors help neighbors, America is stronger.”