LFR, Task Force One and NE National Guard team up against flooding disasters

Nebraska Task Force One and Lincoln Fire and Rescue teamed up with the National Guard for air rescue operations in a water rescue simulation at Branched Oak State Park. 

This rescue drill will provide a high value in continuing rescue efforts for flood relief. 

“It’s bringing two entities together that are gonna just be great for rescue in a flood event,” visitor to the event, Senator Tim Gragert said.

“It’s a big family feeling, and being able to come out and help out, especially if it’s not people in Nebraska, if we get to go help out with hurricanes… Just be able to assist someone that’s in need is what we’re there for,” WO1 Pilot for Nebraska Army National Guard, Dylan Swepston said. 

The operation tested the waters with brand new equipment– including a basket for more difficult passengers– granted by the state to better enhance response rescue times.

“This is kind of the capstone for certification for us as we move forward and it’s culminating with water rescue using some new equipment that the state purchased for us, and some new techniques that we’ve been building on,” CW3 for Nebraska Army National Guard, Rick Davis said. 

“The basket is a necessary piece of equipment for what we found after the flood. The flood is really what brought this whole training on,” Gragert said.

“So once the live event happens, we’re 100 percent ready to go,” Nebraska Task Force One, Ben Bolte said. 

The drill is an exact reaction to the recent flooding events within the state.

“I think this was the driving force, was the Columbus flooding,” Bolte continues. “They were out doing rescues, we were performing rescues. And if we could have been teamed up then, i think we could have had some really good outcomes.”

Senator Gragert’s district counties were the areas most affected by the severe flooding.

“The future with training like this will be nothing but great for the state of Nebraska,” Gragert said.

What we saw today was just a fraction of potential these forces have.

“Scenarios are canned to the water, but the guys have to make on the spot decisions,” Davis said. 

“The army guard guys are very good at what they do. We’re good at what we do. And getting the two teams together is a great thing for our state, and ultimately, our country,” Bolte said. 

Although everyone involved say they enjoyed the training on the water, it helps tie the bonds of this team together.

This rescue drill and operation brought a beautiful display of teamwork to the park goers at Branched Oak Lake.