Three members of the Westport Fire Department, and one from the Westport Police Department, have deployed to western North Carolina to assist with relief efforts after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
The group includes Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, Firefighters Patrick Dailey and Michael Durette, and Police Officer Gregory Gunter.
The 4 will provide critical communication and data restoration support to the hard-hit area.
The Westport team will use a mobile command unit equipped with cutting-edge communication and coordination technology. Field-Comm 1 functions as an on-site command center, offering satellite communication, radio interoperability, and internet access.
Ready to deploy (from left): Fire Chief Nick Marsan, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Firefighter Michael Durette, Police Officer Gregory Gunter, Firefighter Patrick Dailey, Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
The unit also has onboard power and climate control systems, ensuring continuous operation in all conditions.
“This vehicle allows our team to operate independently and maintain essential communication links between local responders, state agencies and federal resources,” says Fire Chief Nick Marsan. “Field-Comm 1 is a critical asset in managing large-scale incidents, making sure that communities get the help they need quickly and efficiently.”
All costs associated with the deployment of personnel, equipment and resources will be fully reimbursed toWestport through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, in collaboration with the State of North Carolina.
“Westport is proud to answer the call to help our neighbors in North Carolina during this challenging time,” says First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker.
“Our highly skilled first responders are well-equipped to provide vital assistance in restoring essential communication infrastructure.”
Bravo! I am so glad and proud of the team heading TO NC
to offer much needed aid in the devastated areas.
We are grateful to Matt Cohen and police officer Gunter and all of firefighters going to help with the hurricane Helene thanks Nick as you rely do you are a stand chief and that’s why we trust your leadership in the town of Westport and Matt I also want Thank all firefighters and police and ems and Dpw worker and parks and recreation staff and town hall staff
How wonderful that our first responders are utilizing their sophisticated equipment to help the devastated state of NC. Thank you all.
As a NC resident now and a growing up in Westport thank you.
The people of NC have stepped up in place of the failed Biden/Harris administration during this crisis. True Americans with helicopters, planes, mules and much more to help people in harms way.
Please be safe and the residents of NC thank you!!
Jeff, what is a “True American?”
I’m assuming Jeff would define a “True American” as follows:
1. Supports government control of women’s bodies
2. Denies the validity of fairly held elections because their preferred candidate lost
3. As a result of #2, forcibly overtakes government buildings in protest
Add a #4–a GOP president who callously throws paper towel rolls at victims of a natural disaster (e.g.: Trump during Hurricane in PR) and blocks hurricane aid. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/new-probe-confirms-trump-officials-blocked-puerto-rico-receiving-hurri-rcna749
If Jeff were minimally informed, he would know that Project 2025 takes steady aim at FEMA, and seeks to weaken it on the ground that FEMA promotes the concept that climate change is contributing to natural disasters. Which, duh, is science.
Conservatives are always the first to decry government aid until they are the ones that need it.
Way to make a positive article about Westport first responders pitching in to aid North Carolina about your politics, Jeff.
I’m sure Jeff is thoroughly rebuked by the cogent feedback of the many Westporters who are unable to remain silent. But(t) is that enough retribution? No. Our souls cry out for justice. Who will answer??? First Gentleperson (elect) Emhoff!!! How will he administer punishment??? A terrible swift slap!!! Where??? Where ELSE???? To THE FACE!!!! Glory, Glory Hallelujah It’s (note the gender neutrality) Truth Is Marching On!!!!
“Unable to remain silent.” Who do you think we get it from? Why, Eric Buchroeder “Silence Has No Home Here” SHS ’70 of course!
I LOVE you Maaan!!!!
I’m “ Biden-Harris Administration Provides More Than $20 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors, Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations Continue in North Carolina”
“Today, Governor Roy Cooper and President Joe Biden took an aerial tour of areas damaged by Hurricane Helene before holding a briefing on storm impacts at the State Emergency Operations Center. During the briefing, President Biden announced the approval of 100% FEMA Reimbursement for six months, a significant funding commitment from the federal government. The briefing was attended by President Biden, United States Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, United States EPA Administrator Michael Regan, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and other top state and federal officials.
Prior to the visit, President Biden approved Governor Cooper’s request for active-duty military personnel and equipment to support ongoing operations in Western North Carolina. The active-duty military personnel are in addition to more than 1,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers currently deployed who are surging food, water, supplies and conducting search and rescue operations. The NC National Guard has already performed more than 1,400 rescues and delivered more than 700,000 pounds in supplies.
“The damage caused by Hurricane Helene to Western North Carolina is immense, and we are continuing our unprecedented efforts to surge resources into affected communities,” said Governor Cooper. “We’re grateful to President Biden, FEMA and all of our federal partners for their support and commitment to helping our state respond, recover and rebuild from this disaster.”
Thank you, Westport First Responders! You are heroes!
Amazing. Thank you first responders, Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore!!! As a former Westporter and current North Carolina resident I find this extraordinary.
What?
Tooker!!!
So long.