Supervisors Bartlett and Spitzer, who are also members of the OCFA Board, applaud the successful rescue efforts of members of Orange County Fire Authority and the Anaheim and Orange Fire Departments that make up California Task Force Team 5.

“These courageous public servants didn’t hesitate when called upon to put their lives in danger in the service of others – even when it required them to leave their families and travel halfway across the country. Their heroism was on display as they saved more than 600 lives. Those individuals, their families, all of Texas and our community owe them our deepest respect and admiration. I very much look forward to honoring their service and heroism when they return, “said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District.

“All citizens of Orange County can be proud that we are directly contributing to the emergency relief efforts in southeast Texas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. The dedication and effort of our delegation of Fire Authority and local departments including 35 firefighters and a 10 member support team is a noble reflection on our entire community,” said Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Third District, a member of the OCFA Board of Directors with Supervisor Bartlett. “Along with many other agencies across the country, Orange County strives to be a leader in this kind of humanitarian outreach that truly defines us as Americans.”

“We are so very thankful for the immediate positive results from the Orange County Team and their effect on the lives of the people who live in the Houston Texas area who are being severely impacted by this devastating storm,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett.

The ability for California Task Force Team 5 to immediately deploy their highly trained staff with the necessary equipment to provide life threatening water rescue services immediately is a tribute to their level of preparedness for this type of disaster.

The Red Cross has launched a massive relief response to this devastating storm and needs financial donations to be able to provide immediate disaster relief. Please help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, or by calling 1- 800-RED CROSS.