Ambassador to america, Main Common (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, has counseled the Fairfax County City Search and Rescue staff (Virginia Job Power 1) for his or her braveness, professionalism, and humanitarian spirit throughout their deployment to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
Talking at a welcome-home reception for the staff on Monday (November 10), on the Fairfax County Hearth and Rescue Division in Virginia, Ambassador Anderson expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Authorities and other people of Jamaica.
Throughout their 10-day deployment in Jamaica, the 34-member Fairfax County staff, supported by 4 search-and-rescue canines, cleared roughly 8,000 properties and assisted greater than 5,000 households with emergency provides, medical care, and rescue operations throughout the island’s most closely impacted parishes.
“Thanks on your service; it comes from the guts. It’s the highest degree of sacrifice to place your self in hurt’s means for folks you don’t even know. Jamaica might not be capable of pay it again to Fairfax County, however we pays it ahead,” the Ambassador stated.
He underscored that the staff’s actions mirrored the enduring friendship and partnership between Jamaica and america, constructed on shared values, belief, and mutual help in occasions of want.
Ambassador Anderson famous that the staff’s service would perpetually maintain a spot in Jamaica’s historical past, symbolising braveness and worldwide solidarity throughout one of many island’s most difficult durations.
“As you interacted with Jamaicans on the bottom they usually expressed appreciation, many will bear in mind within the years to return that you simply didn’t have to return however you volunteered when Jamaica was experiencing its worst catastrophe. You went into the unknown to assist individuals who couldn’t assist themselves. You could have written your names into Jamaica’s story in one in every of its most troublesome occasions,” he stated.
In expressing appreciation to the households of the staff members, the Ambassador acknowledged the non-public sacrifices made behind the scenes.
“Households all the time bear a burden in these circumstances. To the households who questioned whether or not their family members had been doing okay, we share within the happiness that they’ve all returned safely,” he stated.
In her remarks, US Underneath Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Sarah B. Rogers, counseled the Authorities of Jamaica for its foresight and preparedness in mitigating the storm’s impression.
“This was the biggest hurricane ever to make landfall in Jamaica and it was solely by the miracle of your nation’s foresight, preparedness, and investments that the harm wasn’t far worse. We lengthen condolences to Ambassador Anderson and the folks of Jamaica who misplaced a lot in Hurricane Melissa,” she said.
Ms. Rogers additionally lauded the Fairfax County City Search and Rescue Group for his or her bravery and effectiveness.
“This was our most tightly built-in catastrophe response effort of all time. This staff cleared hundreds of buildings and certain saved numerous lives. Thanks a lot on your extraordinary service,” she stated.
Senior Bureau Official within the State Division’s Bureau of Inhabitants, Refugees, and Migration, Spencer Chretien, officers from the Fairfax County Hearth and Rescue Division, and household and pals of the Fairfax County City Search and Rescue Group additionally attended the operate.
