Puerto Rico needs help: Nebraska Task Force 1 has just departed to help the local residents after the heavy storm

LINCOLN, Nebraska — First responders from Nebraska and Iowa are in route to Puerto Rico to offer assistance.

Monday afternoon, Nebraska Task Force 1 was dispatched to assist with power restoration and rescue operations, if necessary.

3 News Now was present when they departed their Lincoln headquarters for the airport.

45 firefighters from Omaha, Council Bluffs, Papillion, Lincoln, and Grand Island make up the crew.

In addition, physicians, structural engineers, and search dogs will be there.

“We’ve all been trained for this, we’re all ready to go, and what we’re most looking forward to is the chance to go aid people in their time of need. Currently, we have this opportunity. Therefore, I and the entire team are quite grateful for this opportunity “said Dan Ripley, leader of the Task Force.

Since September 11, this is the first time Nebraska Emergency Task Force One has flown to provide assistance.