Tri-Star To Lone Star: Brentwood Fire Crews, Williamson County Personnel Assist In Harvey Search And Rescue

BRENTWOOD, TN — Tennessee's tradition of helping out Texans in their time of need dates back to the latter's revolution, when David Crockett and others fought at the Alamo and former Tennessee Gov. Sam Houston of Lebanon became the first and third president of the Republic of Texas, a United States Senator after Texas' accession to the union and eventually governor.

Now 91 Tennessee search and rescue personnel from 20 agencies statewide — including the Brentwood Fire Department, the Williamson County Emergency Communications Center, Williamson County Emergency Management Agency, Williamson County Emergency Medical Services and Williamson County Sheriff's Office — are heading to the city named for the man who was both Tennessee's and Texas' seventh governor.

READ MORE: Harvey Continues Wrath While Houston Rescues And Recovers

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With Harvey moving inland and toward Tennessee, eight swiftwater search and rescue teams and one support team left for Texas Wednesday afternoon to conduct life-saving operations and help local authorities.

“Tennessee and Texas have a long and storied connection and we are proud to help in any way we can. I am proud of these first responders for stepping up to help those affected during their time of need,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said. “We know all too well the damage and destruction from floods and other natural disasters, and just as other states supported us in trying times, I know all Tennesseans want to do whatever we can to help Texas in this time of need."

The personnel are from the following departments:

• Ashland City Fire Department
• Bradley County Fire & Rescue
• Brentwood Fire Department
• Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department
• East Ridge Fire Department
• Dickson Fire Department
• Franklin Fire Department
• Hendersonville Fire Department
• Knox Fire Department
• Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad
• LaVergne Fire Department
• Lebanon Fire Department
• Metro Nashville Fire Department
• Montgomery County Emergency Medical Services
• Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue
• Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services
• Sevierville Fire Department
• Williamson County Emergency Communications Center
• Williamson County Emergency Management Agency
• Williamson County Emergency Medical Services
• Williamson County Sheriffs Office
• Wilson County Emergency Management Agency
• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

The Tennessee teams will conduct search, rescue, and recovery missions to aid survivors and animals trapped in swift-water and flooded areas of southeast Texas. The teams are equipped to provide basic life support, medical care, and transportation of survivors and animals to safety.

TEMA is sending two district coordinators to assist with coordination and support of the teams throughout the deployment in southeast Texas.

The state also created a web site to help Tennesseans who want to donate or assist in recovery efforts vet organizations.

Image via State of Tennessee