Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced Sunday that the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is sending two swift‑water rescue teams to New Mexico to assist communities coping with intense flooding. The deployment follows a formal request from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Teams and capabilities
The teams, part of Oklahoma Task Force 1, consist of 12 highly trained responders drawn from Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Task Force 1 members are equipped with specialized boats, rescue gear, and medical supplies designed for rapid response to fast‑moving water emergencies. Their training emphasizes both technical rescue skills and coordination with local agencies, ensuring they can integrate smoothly into New Mexico’s ongoing flood‑relief operations.
Deployment timeline
According to the state’s news release, the teams left Oklahoma on Sunday morning bound for Santa Fe, New Mexico. Officials expect the crews to remain on the ground for up to six days, providing continuous support as floodwaters recede and rescue efforts shift to recovery and safety inspections.
Governor Stitt’s statement
“These Task Force 1 teams have the training, experience and equipment to help communities respond when they need it most,” Stitt said. “I’m proud of these Oklahoma responders for answering the call. We’ll continue to work with New Mexico and our partners through EMAC to provide support as long as it’s needed.”
OEM Executive Director’s remarks
OEM Executive Director Annie Mack Vest added, “Oklahoma’s Task Force 1 teams are trained and equipped to respond when specialized rescue capabilities are needed and EMAC provides the mechanism to support our neighboring states. We are grateful for the responders who are deploying to New Mexico and the local agencies supporting them as they assist with swift‑water rescue operations.”
Why this matters for Oklahomans
The swift‑water deployment highlights Oklahoma’s ongoing commitment to regional cooperation under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). By sharing resources with neighboring states, Oklahoma not only aids disaster‑stricken communities but also reinforces the state’s own preparedness culture. Residents can take confidence in the fact that the same teams stand ready to protect Oklahoma families should a flood or similar emergency arise at home.
Community response
Local volunteers and faith‑based groups in both Oklahoma and New Mexico have rallied to support the rescue effort, offering meals, lodging, and prayer for the responders. The collaboration reflects the shared values of service, family, and faith that bind the two states together in times of crisis.
As the floodwaters continue to subside, officials from both states will assess damage, coordinate rebuilding efforts, and evaluate the effectiveness of the joint response. The experience gained from this operation will inform future EMAC activations, ensuring that Oklahoma’s emergency management teams remain among the nation’s most capable swift‑water rescue units.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
