PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 Arizona Task Force 1, managed by the Phoenix Fire Department, spent nearly 20 days searching through wreckage in Texas, offering help to an area ravaged by a deadly flash flood.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou would see debris 15, 20, 30 feet even up in trees, not realizing there were water levels that high,\u201d said Task Force leader Jason Rideout.<\/p>\n
The flooding claimed the lives of more than 130 people. Rideout said 49 of their members and 5 of their K-9s were sent by FEMA to search the Guadalupe River between Kerrville and Ingram for any signs of people or any remains.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaking sure we were turning over every rock that we could, taking apart of the debris piles as much as we could.\u201d<\/p>\n
The area was among the hardest hit. Even before getting there, the death toll was rising by the day as bodies were recovered along the river. When they arrived, Rideout said his crew knew they had to focus on their mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were families left behind looking for their loved ones. For us it was a matter of getting them closure and hopefully account for everyone who was reported missing,\u201d said Rideout.<\/p>\n
Bringing closure is what they did. Rideout spoke about a recovery his team made with help from a crew from Indiana in the river; and they had to use heavy machinery. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe had to move the debris out of the way so we could start hand-picking debris out of those piles. The debris piles were anywhere from as large as a car to as large as a home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rideout said the K-9s they brought on this mission were invaluable in finding a victim\u2019s remains.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were able to zero in on a certain location where they were getting a scent,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Overall, Rideout said helping those in need is why he does this job. As for his time in Texas, it\u2019s an experience that will stick with him and his crew for years to come. <\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the \u2018thank yous\u2019 in the community, to the devastation, to the destruction, all of that lives with you,\u201d said Rideout. <\/p>\n
Arizona is no stranger to flash flooding. Rideout said the experience they gained in Texas is something they would use here should Arizona experience deadly or damaging floods.<\/p>\n
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