LA County staff returns after Colombia earthquake rescue mission – NBC Los Angeles
An city search and rescue staff from the Los Angeles County Fireplace Division returned dwelling Thursday after spending per week serving to with rescue efforts in Colombia.
“I bought a spouse and two youngsters to return dwelling to, so I’m very excited to see my son and daughter,” LA County Fireplace Capt. Russell Petit stated.
About 300 folks had been killed when a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Colombia on Aug. 10. Greater than 400 individuals are nonetheless lacking.
Members of the staff, often known as USA-2, stated their seven-day mission was to assist coordinate and assist the folks of Colombia. The staff is one in every of two worldwide search and rescue groups in america.
“General, it is vital for the U.S. to have that partnership and share that solidarity amongst nations,” Ulises Estrada with LA County Fireplace stated. “And when in a position to assist, it must be one thing that, if doable, we may assist and strengthen.”
That is the second time USA-2 has been deployed this yr. They had been despatched to Venezuela in June. Each occasions, they handled powerful circumstances.
LA County firefighters and Ok-9s who had been deployed to Venezuela following two lethal earthquakes have returned dwelling. Darsha Philips stories for the NBC4 Information at 11 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026.
“Clearly, tough circumstances that they are working underneath, with numerous warmth and humidity, they usually’re actually exerting themselves every single day for hours on finish,” staff doctor Saman Kashani stated.
Whereas they’re all exhausted and comfortable to be dwelling, they’re prepared and keen to deploy the second they’re wanted.
“They are surely the very best of the very best,” LA County Fireplace Chief Anthony Marrone stated. “They gladly depart their household and their pals to go internationally to signify the U.S., the LA County Fireplace Division, and make significant rescues of individuals which might be trapped in rubble.”
