Topeka airmen support flood relief in Texas

TOPEKA (KSNT) – The 190th Air Refueling Wing (ARM) from Topeka is pitching in to help after devastating flooding hit Texas.

The 190th Air Refueling Wing brought 12 firefighters and four K-9 handlers with their search and rescue dogs to the Texas floods on Sunday, July 13, according to a press release. The firefighters and K-9 handlers were from the Czech Emergency Response Team from Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Czech firefighters flew directly from Ramstein Air Base to Texas aboard the 190th ARW KC-135 Stratotanker, the only National Guard aircraft available to execute such a short-notice mission efficiently and effectively, according to the 190th ARW.

“Here we will do our best to help the American people and support the National Guard,” said Maj. Jiri Studnicka, Czech Emergency Response Team member. “For us, it brings great satisfaction being able to help the National Guard as they have helped in support of our troops. We are very proud to work with them.”

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office deployed Task Force 1, along with two boats, ATVs, and K-9 teams, to help with the flood relief efforts as well this month. Governor Kelly assigned two swift-water rescue teams from Kansas to provide assistance in the impacted areas of Texas.   

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