Guymon Swift Water Team Responds to Florida Ahead Of Hurricane Milton

Sunday night, the Guymon Fire Department Swift Water Rescue Team received the green light from Oklahoma Emergency Management to respond and assist Florida with the in-coming Hurricane Milton. Guymon’s Team will be part of a larger Oklahoma Type I team specializing in different types of water operations.
Guymon Fire Department’s Swiftwater Search & Rescue team is capable of water operations in water with a current of 1 knot or greater such as; Paddle and powerboat operations, Offensive water rescues, Flood response operations, Emergency Medical Care, and Low-angle rope rescue. This team is also capable of operating in HaMat environments and supporting helicopter rescues. Guymon is equipped with vehicles, trailers, watercrafts, and water rescue equipment.
“The Guymon Team left at midnight on Sunday night and expected to be in Central Florida by Tuesday night”, said Fire Chief Grant Wadley. Guymon Swift Water team will be meeting up with and work with Lawton Fire Swiftwater Team and Coalgate Fire Swiftwater Team. Guymon Team consists of 3 experienced Swiftwater Tech members who are also Paramedics with the Department. These members and several others on the team were involved in many water rescues in June when flash flooding occurred in Guymon and the surrounding area.
“Their mission is slated for 14-days and are to report to Orlando by Tuesday night. As the weather intensifies, they will be relocated to possibly some of the most catastrophic locations in Florida to provide rescue services”, said Chief Wadley. The Guymon Fire Department is fortunate to have this service and proud to represent Guymon and the State of Oklahoma.