Following the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, Los Angeles County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team swiftly deployed 73 firefighters, including six canine units and 80,000 pounds of equipment, to assist in rescue operations. The team departed from March Air Force Base in Riverside the evening of June 25 to support recovery efforts amid one of Venezuela’s most severe natural disasters.

The rescue mission proved both physically demanding and emotionally challenging. Among the team’s successes was the extraction of a 47-year-old man from the rubble eight days after the quake, a recovery that boosted morale after days spent primarily uncovering human remains. The Los Angeles County unit is part of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group, which coordinates efforts across more than 90 countries.

Back home, a separate but equally critical operation unfolded in Pacoima, where a three-member Deployment Support Team (DST) worked nonstop to support the families of deployed firefighters. Operating from a modest two-story warehouse beneath the Whiteman Airport flight path, the team provided round-the-clock communication and practical assistance to loved ones remaining in the United States.

“Just like the search and rescue team in the disaster zone, the three-member Deployment Support Team in Pacoima was on duty 24 hours a day throughout the rescue mission,” said Greg Short, DST leader and a 25-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Short, who has participated in previous international deployments including the 2017 Mexico City earthquake, emphasized the importance of maintaining close contact with families.

Within a converted conference room at the Pacoima facility, the DST coordinated nightly conference calls to update families on the status of the mission and reassure them of their relatives’ safety. These sessions often featured guest speakers and concluded with a prayer led by a county fire department chaplain. Families also received support with a variety of needs, from household repairs to personal gestures such as arranging birthday flowers for spouses abroad.

Rebekah Drews, the team’s family support leader, described the multifaceted role of the DST. She noted that while some inquiries were simple, the team frequently provided crucial emotional support and ensured families remained informed throughout the deployment. “We are here for you 24 hours a day,” Drews said during one call. “Please let us know how we can support you while your families are away in Venezuela.”

The deployment support extended beyond communication. The team also managed the logistics of the mission, ensuring firefighters had proper equipment, food, transportation, and assistance for their journey home.

From the field, Battalion Chief Emmanuel Sampang described the precarious nature of rescue efforts amid the unstable rubble, likening the process to playing Jenga where any mistake could cause further collapse. “In our world, it’s risk versus gain,” he said. “We are going to risk a whole lot to gain a whole lot.”

The coordinated efforts both abroad and at home highlight the comprehensive response mechanism Los Angeles County employs in international disaster situations, blending field operations with vital family support to sustain personnel during challenging missions.