A group of first responders, including members from Illinois and Chicago fire departments, has returned after assisting in Texas for two weeks. Their mission involved aiding in search and recovery operations due to major flooding in the area.
The group was welcomed home Saturday in Wheeling.
The video in the player above is from a previous report.
The rescue teams experienced a heartfelt reunion with their families, having been absent for 14 days while providing support to flood victims in Texas. They came back with valuable insights and relief to be home.
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It was a warm welcome for the local firefighters.
“I feel happy that he’s back,” said Ella Gore, who welcomed her father home.
Consisting of 39 firefighters, the MABAS Illinois rescue team shared their experiences of the severe flooding they encountered in Texas, highlighting the extensive damage caused by the natural disaster.
“As far as the conditions of this deployment, it’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Jim Loehman with the Lisle Woodridge Fire Protection District. “You can’t identify it from looking at pictures and looking at videos, just what happened in Texas.”
As of Saturday, 137 deaths have been reported in Texas with two people still missing.
“It was one of the most humbling and amazing experiences I’ve had,” said Bess Vlahakis with the Park Forest Fire Department.
The team shared photos of the conditions they had to work through as they navigated difficult terrain in the Guadalupe River. It’s an experience that has put life into perspective for many of them.
“Remembering to spend time have quality moments with your loved ones because at the end of the day you don’t have control over what comes next,” a retired firefighter named Humza said.
Many loved ones embraced the team as they returned to the station Saturday in Wheeling.
“I’m really looking forward to going on the boat, probably not tonight, but having a family dinner again,” family member Charlotte Richie said.
There were signs and cheers with many hugs as the children were elated to have their parents home.
“They’re the ones really supporting us. Without them at home supporting us to be able to work the mission we’re doing, this doesn’t happen,” crew member Jim Loehman said.
The team is grateful to be back home and to get some rest and relaxation before some of them return to their local fire departments.
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