Santa Rosa County Public Works crews deployed to Washington County

At 7 a.m. Friday morning, 23 public works employees consisting of three loader crews and one Bobcat crew deployed to Washington County to help with recovery efforts after Hurricane Michael.

"This is a first for our county. While we have sent personnel to assist with emergency operations center duties during previous events, we have never deployed a public works detachment of personnel and equipment," said Mark Murray, assistant county administrator.

Stephen Furman, public works director, went on to say, "We are very proud of all our volunteers for their dedication to our neighbors in their time of need. The eagerness of our personnel to sign up is a testament to their desire to assist. We have offered our prayers and now we can offer our support during this time of recovery."

The public works employees will join Brad Baker, public safety director, Tom Lloyd, operations chief, Brandi Whitehurst, public information officer, and Tammy Simmons, administrative services manager, who are already on site in Washington County assisting with coordination and recovery efforts. Two Santa Rosa County emergency communications dispatchers were also deployed to Bay County as part of an emergency response team on Thursday.

To volunteer to support Hurricane Michael recovery efforts in Florida or to donate to the Florida Disaster Fund, visit VolunteerFlorida.org.

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