NORFOLK, VA – Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Ph.D recognized seven members of Norfolk Fire-Rescue during Tuesday’s City Council meeting for assisting in the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida.
The Norfolk firefighters were a part of the USAR Virginia Task Force 2 that deployed to Florida and recovered 25 people from the collapse. The group returned to the Virginia Beach Training Center on July 13.
The firefighters recognized are:
Captain Christian Fultz - Rescue Team Manager
Captain Mike Yoshida - Rescue Specialist
Lt. Spencer Davis - Rescue Specialist
Captain Bobby Matthews - Hazmat Team Manager
Battalion Chief Wayne Watson – Hazmat Specialist
Lt. Russ Bargy – Technical Search Specialist
Lt. David Bissell – Technical Search Specialist
During their final operation, the group had to clear debris to reach the ground floor and parking garages of the collapsed building. Due to the tragic conditions, a large emphasis was placed on responder mental health and wellness while deployed. Those resources and services will continue to be offered to all team members as they resume normal work duties.
