HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WIAT) — Swiftwater rescue teams from Homewood and Calera are in Texas to assist with search and rescue operations after catastrophic flooding devastated parts of the state.

The eight-person team arrived in San Antonio, Texas, on Friday where they are already working alongside other first responders In Uvalde. The deployment is part of Alabama Task Force 2, an all-hazards disaster response team that provides specialized resources during emergencies across the country.

Homewood Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead said deployments like this not only provide critical assistance to communities in need but also strengthen Alabama’s own emergency response capabilities.

“Going to places like that where there is a need helps everybody in the nation from having to have that many people on hand all the time,” Broadhead said. “But it also helps our team members keep their training up and their skill level up so that if that happens here, not only are we going to be ready for it, we’ll also have help from our neighbors.”

Broadhead said Alabama Task Force 2 operates on a rotating on-call schedule to ensure swiftwater rescue teams are ready to respond when disasters occur.

“Every month certain teams are up on call,” Broadhead said. “So they are notified that if we have a flooding event this month, I’m going to produce this many swiftwater teams. That helps us be prepared and ready.”

In addition to personnel, both departments deployed specialized rescue equipment to support the mission.

Calera Fire Chief Sean Kendrick said the department sent four swiftwater rescue technicians, two rescue boats, two support vehicles and a rescue trailer stocked with supplies.

“We sent four of our swiftwater technicians, two rescue boats and two support vehicles,” Kendrick said. “We also took a rescue trailer that allows them a place to sleep and carries all the additional equipment. We put fuel, water and enough supplies to be self-sustaining for a few days.”

Kendrick said flood responses often extend beyond the initial emergency.

“Flooding events occur very rapidly, and you can often have a lot of victims,” Kendrick said. “You can have victims that need to be immediately rescued. Then after the flood subsides, you still have people that need to be located who may be trapped or in an isolated area. Sometimes it’s not just a quick event, but it can be a long-term rescue effort.”

According to Broadhead, the deployment is expected to last through July 23, though that timeline could change depending on conditions in Texas. Officials will evaluate whether crews can return home early or if additional Alabama swiftwater teams will be needed to continue the response.

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