City of Coral Gables firefighters were recently deployed as part of an Ambulance and Engine Strike Team to assist those affected by Hurricane Ian. Crews responded to emergency calls, and helped with evacuations and search efforts in Ft. Myers Beach, Naples, and Cape Coral. Coral Gables firefighter crews were on-site to assist within the first 48 hours after the storm. Eight team members responded to this emergency including Fire Chief Marcos De La Rosa.

Chief De La Rosa helped coordinate the state’s response at the State of Florida Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. The other team members led by Lt. Christian Garcia responded with Florida Task Force 2 to some of the hardest-hit areas. They led complex search and rescue missions and were responsible for many initial rescues. A new team from the Coral Gables Fire Department is now assisting Lee County.

“In Florida, we are one community, said De La Rosa. “Our team was ready to go before the hurricane made landfall to ensure we were able to assist our neighbors on the West Coast. We are proud to lend a helping hand.”