Pittsburgh firefighters assist Floridians with Hurricane Ian recovery
While others were driving out, four Pittsburgh firefighters were driving into the area flooded by Hurricane Ian.
“It took me about five minutes to have three firefighters with me and ready to go,” Captain John Gardell said. “At the end of the day, I know any of these firefighters would do the same for me.”
Their mission: to help Florida firefighters working around the clock without time to shore up their own homes, also badly damaged.
“Being here firsthand, it absolutely is very devastating,” Gardell said. “A lot of people with a lot of damage. It will take a while to recover here.”
Between tree removal, tarping roofs and cleaning up, they want to make sure that they do the job right.
The Florida firefighters and their families are grateful that what Mother Nature tore down, the human spirit is building back up.
“You see neighbors helping neighbors. Everything flowing together to get the job done,” Gardell explained. “When our backs are against the wall, we come together as a group, everyone.”
Gardell sends thanks back home to the Pittsburgh Fire Fighters Local No. 1 and Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire for giving this crew the time and support to go and assist those in need.
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