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Dear Redmond Community,
I want to provide you with a profound update on the efforts of our dedicated members of the Redmond Fire Department, who are currently deployed with FEMA US&R WATF-1 in Lahaina, Hawaii.
Over the last several days, our courageous team has been working unrelentingly in support of the residents of Maui after devastating wildfires laid waste to nearly the entire city of Lahaina. The destruction is enormous, and our team's mission is critical and heartfelt.
Among our members, Technical Search Specialist Josh Holthenrichs, Logistics Specialist Rich Gieseke, Rescue Specialist Coy Morris, Rescue Specialist Tony Owens, and Incident Safety Officer Caleb Freeman have been at the forefront, striving tirelessly to bring closure to those families that tragically lost loved ones.
Our team's rules of engagement, as set forth by Maui County Police, include the meticulous search of all cars and structures in Lahaina with Human Remains (HR) search dogs. This massive effort encompasses approximately 1,800 structures and nearly as many vehicles. Many of these searches require highly specialized technical skills, and delayering operations are being conducted delicately, especially in culturally sensitive areas.
Our personnel are under high scrutiny and demonstrate an extraordinary level of professionalism, grit, and resilience in the face of extreme conditions. The manner in which they represent Redmond Fire is awe-inspiring and a testament to the quality of our department.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to all our members for their unwavering support of the Lahaina community. Their unyielding willingness to serve and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have lost so much is praiseworthy.
Thank you for standing with us as we continue to uphold our commitment to serve and protect, not only at home but wherever our expertise and compassion are needed.
Redmond Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard
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