OKLAHOMA CITY — A six-member swift water rescue team from the Oklahoma City metro area has deployed to assist with flood operations in Central Texas, part of Oklahoma’s ongoing mutual aid efforts during regional emergencies.
Oklahoma Task Force 1 – OKC Metro, which includes four Oklahoma City firefighters and one firefighter each from Yukon and Norman, departed Friday evening and checked in early Sunday morning with the Texas Department of Emergency Management, according to Major Scott Douglas with the OKCFD.
The team is classified as a Type 3 Swift Water Response unit and is trained for high-risk, fast-moving water rescue scenarios.
A separate six-person team from Tulsa also deployed to the region, highlighting Oklahoma’s coordinated commitment to interagency emergency response.
The OKC Metro team was initially staged at New Braunfels Fire Station 7 before moving north along Highway 281, passing through Marble Falls and later staging overnight at the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department. While the OKC and Tulsa units were originally assigned to different areas, they later reunited and continue operations together in the region.
Key missions since deployment include assisting with a missing person call, where the individual was safely located shortly after the team’s arrival, and a swift water rescue call, where the victim had already been removed from danger.
As of Monday morning, the team remains stationed south of Marble Falls and has received a new assignment. Although weather conditions have improved and water levels are receding, emergency operations continue.
“Our teams remain mission-ready and committed to supporting local and state partners through these evolving conditions,” said Chief Stewart, OKTF-1 team leader. “We are proud to stand with our Texas counterparts during this emergency.”
Oklahoma Task Force 1 operates under a multi-agency partnership, coordinating emergency response capabilities across jurisdictions.
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
