NJ Task Force 1 returns after helping rebuild storm-ravaged Florida

<p>A total of 82 men and women spent 11 days trying to help areas that were damaged by the storm.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 20, 2018, 3:10 PM

Updated 2,022 days ago

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Members of New Jersey Task Force 1 were welcomed back Sunday after assisting with the destruction caused by Hurricane Michael in Florida.
A total of 82 men and women spent 11 days trying to help areas that were damaged by the storm. They brought with them boats, tents, food and water, human detecting dogs and medical supplies.
The volunteers worked just 40 miles from Mexico Beach, which was the epicenter of where the hurricane hit.
"It was just catastrophic – just literally towns wiped off the map," says TF1 Program Manager Kevin Morrissey. "It'll be years for them rebuilding."
While there, the team worked on over 3,000 home assessments and over 1,600 animal rescues.
Family and friends waited at the Task Force 1 headquarters in Wall Township to see the team return. One little boy was especially proud to welcome his father home.
"I think it's an awesome job, and when I grow up, I want to be exactly like my dad," said Grayson Klebacher.
New Jersey Task Force 1 is responsible for providing advanced technical search and rescue capabilities to victims trapped in structurally collapsed buildings.
Some had also previously gone to North Carolina to help with damages from Hurricane Florence.
The force has a total of 280 members. They are constantly training for emergencies inside and outside of the state.


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