Local First Responders Headed to Texas

Caddo Sheriff’s deputies are now in Texas to help with rescue efforts in Port Arthur.

The Louisiana Sheriff’s Association Task Force requested assistance from the CPSO on behalf of Port Arthur, which has experienced 26 inches of rain in 24 hours.

“We’ve been in the starting blocks since this began ready to assist when called upon,” Prator said. “I’m proud to be sending some of the best trained Search and Rescue people in the business to assist our Texas neighbors.”

Nine Caddo deputies have stepped up to make the trip. Three of them will be assigned to the LSA Task Force; three assigned to the CPSO Marine Patrol, trained in swift water rescue; and three divers. Prator will also be in the area to lend support to the deputies.

This group is bringing eight trucks, a sleeping trailer, a fuel supply trailer, and six flat bottom boats, including an inflatable swift water rescue boat with a 10- person capacity.

Also, Shreveport firefighters are stepping in to help. Chief Scott Wolverton says 15 Urban Search and Rescue specialists will help with rescue efforts.

The request was received through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact [EMAC] from the Office of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, requesting these specially trained firefighters to deploy to Port Arthur, Texas.

Port Arthur is a city of 51,000 residents located about 90 miles east of Houston. Port Arthur Police made an appeal for volunteers and boats to assist their emergency responders shortly after water started rushing into the city’s Civic Center which was serving as a shelter.
The Port Arthur mayor says the whole city is underwater.