Operating Engineers Aid In Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief

Operating Engineers 324 a key part of Michigan’s premier 45-person disaster relief crew

(HOLLY, Mich.) –– Members of Operating Engineers 324 departed Sunday for Florida as a part of the Michigan Task Force 1 crew, which will aid in disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Irma made landfall this weekend.

The 45-person crew is made up of disaster relief certified doctors, heavy equipment operators and structural engineers. Operating Engineers on the team departed Michigan with $9 million worth of heavy-duty equipment to assist in the effort. The team of Operators specializes in structural collapse, trench and high angle rescue.

Hurricane Irma is the first out-of-state deployment for the task force, which was created several years ago for the purpose of assisting local fire departments with technical rescues. The task force will stage its operations in Jacksonville, Florida before receiving their mission assignments around the storm-ravaged state.

The Michigan Task Force 1 crew trains at the Operating Engineers 324’s 555-acre Construction Career Center in Howell. The state-of-the-art facility enables first responder teams to practice complex rescue operations with operators in a real-world setting.

“I am proud these highly-skilled Operating Engineers are a part of the Michigan Task Force 1 crew and that this high-caliber team is able to provide crucial technical and rescue support during this difficult time for Floridians,” said Doug Stockwell, Business Manager for Operating Engineers 324. “Operating Engineers do the important, difficult and dangerous jobs that keep our state’s economy running and bravely dedicate their time and talents to keep us safe both in Michigan and beyond.”