Round Rock Firefighters Dispatched To Florida Post-Hurricane

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS — Two Round Rock firefighters were deployed to Florida this week to assist with search-and-rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

Lt. Michael Boyd and Driver Andrew Lyman left Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 16, with the Texas State Task Force 1 (TX-TF1), which consisted of 70 emergency personnel, six boats, four search canines and a large cache of specialized and technical equipment, officials said.

The group stopped at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala., this week to train and prepare equipment while roadways leading to the affected areas were being cleared. Lyman and Boyd have departed for Mexico Beach, Fla., to support and work in coordinated efforts with local first responders.

The landfall of Hurricane Michael, which was labeled a Category 4 storm, in the Florida Panhandle marked the third most-powerful storm to ever make landfall in the continental U.S. and the most forceful to ever hit the Florida panhandle.

TX-TF1, sponsored by Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, also deployed Water Rescue Squads and search teams to Central and North Texas this week for recent severe flash flooding along the Llano River, officials said.

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>>> Photo of Mexico Beach. Fla. after the devastation of Hurricane Michael courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard