COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The Indiana Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team participated in a multi-agency disaster response exercise in June alongside other National Guard members and first responders.
Texas Task Force 1 hosted the search and rescue exercise at Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s Disaster City, which features overturned vehicles, crumbling buildings, rubble piles and a derailed train.
Role players acted as victims for the search and rescue teams to locate and save on land and water.
“This is the only time we get to practice domestic operations … and execute the entire mission, mimicking a hurricane in 10 hours with more than 100 role players that need rescue,” said Texas National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Pedro Vargas-Lebron. “We need more states to participate and learn. That way, when it happens for real, they can help.”
The various obstacles allowed participants, including Indiana HART, to showcase their skills.
“I’m so blessed to work with this team,” said Chris Baker, an Indiana HART member and firefighter. “These guys just go out and do what they do best. They train hard, learn new skills and have fun doing it.”
The exercise helps solidify the relationship between the National Guard, local law enforcement and first responders before a real natural disaster.
Indiana HART is a team of Indiana National Guardsmen from the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade and the 38th Infantry Division and firefighters with the South Bend Fire Department.
Sgt. Daniel Spencer, an Indiana Guardsman and Indiana HART team member, said the exercise demonstrated their capabilities.
“Our performance is the product of our dedication, effort, energy, time and training,” Spencer said. “It shows that we are ready to be called upon when disaster strikes.”