PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 A homecoming for hometown heroes took place in Phoenix Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Dozens of people with posters cheered as a fleet of Phoenix Fire vehicles arrived outside the Phoenix Fire Special Operations Building.<\/p>\n
The Arizona Task Force 1<\/a> team had been deployed for 20 days, spending 15 days in Texas<\/a> to help with search and rescue efforts following the floods that killed more than 130 people and left dozens missing. The anticipation of their return led to heartwarming embraces. <\/p>\n \u201cThey did good work. They\u2019re doing good work, working long hours and long days, 15 hour days,\u201d said one family member.<\/p>\n Battalion Fire Chief and AZ-TF1 leader, Jason Rideout, said 49 members, including five canines, deployed to Kerrville, TX and joined other FEMA teams across the country.<\/p>\n \u201cOur whole goal was no stone unturned as we were searching the river,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n With help from other state task forces, canines, and boats, his crew covered more than 12.5 miles on both sides of the river.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was an honor for our task force. It was an honor to be able to be a part of that community,\u201d said Rideout.<\/p>\n The community was hit by devastation, but its spirit could not be broken.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are strong. They are resilient,\u201d said Rideout. \u201cSeeing what they saw. Seeing what they experienced. The humility that we have to be able to go into their background and to offer our assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n It was a mission to give Texas families the reunions that Valley firefighters were grateful to have upon their return. Rideout said teams have 48 hours after a deployment to rest and spend time with their families.<\/p>\n He does not believe they\u2019ll be returning to Texas for flood rescues.<\/p>\n See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it<\/a>.<\/p>\n