In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, a crew from the Kansas Army National Guard is headed to Florida's gulf coast to help with search and rescue operations.
The seven member National Guard team left Topeka in the helicopter they’ll use to help locate hurricane survivors.
Chief Warrant Officer Jason Reider said the team will rescue people trapped by flood waters.
“This is why we signed up, was to go out there and do this," he said. "Save lives. Rescue people.”
Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer approved Florida's request for assistance after Hurricane Michael made landfall.
“This is a massive hurricane and they’re going to need a lot of support," he said. "Having this aviation unit deploying now is very important because a lot of roads are blocked.”
As part of an interstate emergency compact agreement, the state of Florida will reimburse Kansas for sending the helicopter and guardsmen. As recovery efforts continue, Colyer said there could be additional requests for help.
Stephen Koranda has more: