WESTPORT, Connecticut — Four Westport first responders have deployed to western North Carolina to aid with relief efforts following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
The Westport Office of Emergency Management issued a release on Friday noting that three members of the town’s fire department and one member of the local police department are traveling south. Once in North Carolina, the team will provide critical communication and data restoration support as part of a regional emergency response initiative.
“Westport is proud to answer the call to help our neighbors in North Carolina during this challenging time,” Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker said. “Our highly skilled first responders are well-equipped to provide vital assistance in restoring essential communication infrastructure.”
Field-Comm 1, a mobile command unit equipped with cutting edge communication and coordination technology, will be used by the team from Westport. The town’s Office of Emergency Management says that Field-Comm 1 is designed to serve as an on-site command center. It features satellite communication, radio interoperability and internet access.
This technology also allows for real-time decision-making, resource management and interagency coordination. The town’s Office of Emergency Management notes that Field-Comm 1 can be effective where local infrastructure has been severely damaged or destroyed. The unit additionally has onboard power and climate control systems so that operations can continue in all conditions.
Westport Fire Chief Nick Marsan says that the vehicle allows the team to operate independently and maintain essential communication between local responders, state agencies and federal resources.
“Field-Comm 1 is a critical asset in managing large-scale incidents, making sure that communities get the help they need quickly and efficiently,” Marsan said.
According to the Westport Office of Emergency Management, all costs associated with the deployment of personnel, equipment and resources will be fully reimbursed to the town through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact in partnership with the State of North Carolina. The collaboration brings together resources from several states to provide aid where it is most needed.
RELATED: Connecticut National Guard sending more soldiers and aircraft to North Carolina for hurricane relief
The support offered by Westport first responders is just the latest in a string of relief efforts from Connecticut helping those affected by Hurricane Helene in the Southeast.
The Connecticut National Guard has sent multiple deployments to North Carolina in the past week, including multiple helicopters, soldiers and other resources.
Eversource, the electricity provider, also sent relief crews down south to assist in the effort through the industry’s Mutual Aid Network.
The Red Cross in Farmington also sent more than two dozen people from Connecticut and Rhode Island to the Southeast to help, providing read-to-eat meals, water, snacks clean-up kits and other important supplies.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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