Ketchikan Fire Department
To Assist
Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort

   KETCHIKAN~Wednesday, September 7, 2005:  Two person teams that will assist in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort are heading out today for Atlanta, Georgia. The teams will be in Atlanta for training and to receive equipment, immunizations and assignments for deployment into the hurricane affected areas.

  According to Ketchikan Public Safety Director Rich Leipfert, this deployment is in response to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) request for teams with firefighting and emergency medical technician training. The individuals will provide support of the disaster relief effort rather than as operational firefighters. During the 30 day “community relations deployment activation” FEMA will pay the regular salary and benefits of the team members.

  Jim Hill, John Goucher, Dave Breitkreutz, and Mike Moyer are the individuals assigned to the first two teams. Terry Roberts and Tracy Mettler are standing by to go as a third team. KFD volunteers, as well as other employees will cover the regular work shifts of the deployed team members.