For Immediate Release: Friday, May 3, 2024
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Deploys Aid to Texas

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced that the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), Division of State Fire Marshal is deploying 43 members of Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force 5 from Jacksonville to the State of Texas where severe flooding has caused life-threatening conditions in the Houston region. Additional emergency personnel are also being deployed by DFS to provide logistical needs.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “We are all too familiar with severe flooding events here in Florida. After Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida, Texas was there to aid Florida’s first responders in recovery efforts and provided additional resources to help Floridians get back on their feet. Now, Florida is proud to provide assistance to Texas in their time of need. We are deploying 43 Urban Search and Rescue Task Force members, a type 3 team with water capabilities that will be pivotal in saving those people trapped by intense flooding. Task Force 5 will go door-to-door throughout the impacted region to ensure that civilians are rescued or unharmed. My office is also sending six investigators from our Criminal Investigations Division and one State Fire Marshal personnel to provide logistical support for our teams. As always, Governor Ron DeSantis and Department of Emergency Management Director, Kevin Guthrie, have been experts in preparing for natural disasters and helping folks pick up the pieces after major storm events, and I appreciate all their efforts in partnering with us in our mission to aid Texas."

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis  
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).