Hurricane Melissa swept through Jamaica, causing a confirmed 45 deaths, with 18 unaccounted for and damage throughout the country.
When help was needed, USA-02 answered the call, with team members preparing and boarding a plane with little to no notice.
“There was a lot of destruction,” said Edward Ruiz, a fire paramedic for the L.A. County Fire Department and a member of USA-02.
“Unfortunately, the homes built there were not designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. The destruction over there was something you don’t really see on the news, and this time I saw it firsthand,”
What drives these rescue teams to risk all at a moment’s notice?
“If they are needed anywhere in the world, they’re ready to do so; they prepare for these incidents,” said David Dantic, Fire Captain and Public Information Officer.
“Earlier this month, they had a 3-day drill in preparing for any major disaster. And now are putting their efforts into action.”
After spending two weeks with local communities to improve access to roads and other services, the team returned home to the relief of family and friends.
“We get a little worried and scared, but luckily, they are really good at calming us down and just letting us know that everything is okay. They’re all safe, the dogs are safe as well as well and they will be returning home safely,” said Sherlyn Ruiz, the wife of Edward Ruiz.
While in Jamaica, team members established themselves and began working in the environment they encountered.
“It was kind of a somber environment, so where on this mission, you know, we were landing helicopters and immediately greeted by the community. We would identify the community leader, and really, we were just working with that entire community for the days,” said John-Patrick Reardon, LACOFD Fire Captain.
“It was a fulfilling mission in that sense and really just put in a hard day’s work with them. Spend that time a day going from perish to perish and just doing the best we could with the time we had,” Reardon said.
Team members say they go to save lives, serve their communities, gain skills, and experience a sense of purpose. That is why members of Team USA-02 say they are always ready, on a moment’s notice, to help people around the globe.
