South Tidewater News

On October 22, 2024, the Chesapeake City Council and Fire Chief Gulisano acknowledged the contributions of the Chesapeake Fire Department members who participated in disaster response efforts. These teams were part of FEMA Task Force 2, the State Radio Cache, and the Hampton Roads Incident Management Team. They were deployed to areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

FEMA Task Force 2 was sent to Florida, North Carolina, and Texas to assist with operations focusing on search and rescue, water rescue, and logistics. The Chesapeake Fire Department personnel involved included LT Day, LT Hnatko, LT Little, LT Newins, LT Hudgins, Master FF Giles, Master FF Bensley, FF/PM Robinson, FF/PM Outlaw along with Canine Pluto.

The State Radio Cache was deployed to Southwest Virginia with a mission to restore communications in several counties that were impacted. Senior FF Cobb and FF/PM Gaskins from the Chesapeake Fire Department participated in this effort.

Additionally, the Hampton Roads Incident Management Team was dispatched to Southwest Virginia where they contributed by conducting damage assessments and supporting Emergency Operations Centers as well as response and recovery activities. Recognized for their efforts were Raphael Brown (Suffolk Fire & Rescue), James Sessoms (Suffolk Fire & Rescue), Wilbert Flores (Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue), Scott Doggette (Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue), Travis Smith (Virginia Beach Police Department), Bill Skelaney (HRIMT Disaster Assistance Specialist), and Kevin Renshaw (Norfolk Fire-Rescue).

"We are proud of the men and women (and Pluto!) from the Chesapeake Fire Department who deployed to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton," stated an official message. "Thank you for showing that Chesapeake CARES even beyond our own borders."