First Lady Casey DeSantis, Madison, Mason, and Mamie joined FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie to send off these dedicated public servants from FDEM and Clay, St. Johns, and Flagler counties

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida deployed a nine-person State All-Hazards Incident Management Team comprised of individuals from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) as well as Clay, St. Johns, and Flagler counties to Kentucky to support the tornado outbreak response efforts. The deployment team consists of an Incident Commander, Public Information Officer, Liaison Officer, Operations Section Chief, Deputy Operations Section Chief, Plans Section Chief, Logistics Section Chief, and two State of Florida Liaisons. The team will be embedded in the Kentucky State Emergency Operations Center and provide operational support to the Kentucky Emergency Management division. The team is anticipating a 14-day deployment.

“Earlier this week, we made it clear that Florida would not hesitate to support states impacted by the devastating tornado outbreak,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This team is made up of dedicated public servants who are willing to work through the holidays and provide aid to a state in need. I’m proud that we’re able to deploy this team quickly and help impacted areas begin their recovery efforts.”

“Madison, Mason, Mamie, and I enjoyed the opportunity to send off these heroic individuals today,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “We are thankful for their sacrifice during the holiday season and are proud of Florida’s willingness to lend a helping hand to Kentuckians in need. Their service embodies the true Christmas spirit.”

“All-Hazards Incident Management Teams are trained to provide support where it’s needed,” said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. “They’re adaptable, qualified, and are always ready to answer the call for help. Through this deployment, we’ll continue coordinating with our emergency management partners and work to fulfill requests for assistance.”

All-Hazards Incident Management Teams are regional, multi-agency teams comprised of local law enforcement, fire and EMS, public health, emergency management, public works, and other public safety partners with standardized training and field experience in Incident Command System positions. Teams are trained to support incidents that extend beyond one operational period and are credentialed to serve in different positions through FDEM.

Recent All-Hazards Incident Management Team deployments include Louisiana in response to Hurricane Ida, Mississippi in response to Hurricanes Marco and Laura, Hawaii in response to a volcanic eruption, and South Carolina in response to flooding.

More information about Florida’s All-Hazards Incident Management Teams is available here.

Earlier this week, Governor Ron DeSantis and FDEM offered Florida’s support in response to the deadly tornadoes that affected nine states in parts of the Midwest and Tennessee Valley. FDEM has been coordinating with the emergency management offices of the nine affected states to identify resource gaps and provide assistance as needed.

FDEM is coordinating the deployment under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The EMAC is a national mutual aid system that allows states to share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy, and be reimbursed for mission related costs.