Sophisticated communications gear aboard Field-Comm 1 (red vehicle), deployed last week from Fairfield County, at emergency-relief staging area in western North Carolina. / Photos, Westport Fire Department
Westport emergency responders dispatched to North Carolina to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts include, from left, Firefighter Michael Durette, Police Officer Greg Gunter, Firefighter Patrick Dailey and Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Cohen.

The four Westport emergency responders dispatched last week to help with relief efforts in western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene unleashed a devastating onslaught of rain, flooding and landslides, issued a brief update on their work Saturday.

The local team includes Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Cohen, Firefighters Michael Durette and Patrick Dailey, and Police Officer Greg Gunter. 

The Westporters, joined by personnel from Fairfield County Regional Dispatch, Wilton, Norwalk and Stratford, deployed to an area laid waste by the hurricane with Field-Comm 1, a mobile command unit equipped with cutting-edge communications and coordination technology.

Following is the team’s dispatch, posted on the Westport Fire Department’s Facebook page:

Chinook helicopter helped local team dispatched to North Carolina deliver food, water and other supplies to people cut off by the storm.
View of devastated landscape left in wake of Hurricane Helene, as seen from above by relief crews air lifted to remote areas.

“We’re pleased to share that our members from Westport Police and Fire departments are doing well during their deployment in North Carolina. 

“Today, our team engaged in extensive radio programming to enhance our communication capabilities and participated in a supply delivery into the mountainous areas via a Chinook helicopter.

“Thanks to this operation, we successfully delivered food, water and essential supplies to communities that have been cut off. 

“Additionally, we helped establish satellite-based communications to ensure residents can stay connected and receive further assistance. We appreciate the continued support from our community as we work to make a positive impact in the affected areas.”

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