Miami Township Fire and EMS member deploys to Haiti

Lt. William Richardson, a rescue technician with Miami township Fire and EMS, has deployed to Haiti with Ohio Task Force 1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Search and Rescue Team headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.

At 10 p.m. Jan. 13, Ohio Task Force 1 (OHTF1) Urban Search and Rescue Team was activated by FEMA to deploy to Haiti to assist with relief efforts following the recent earthquake in that nation. Four of Miami Township’s Fire and EMS personnel are members of the OHTF1: Lt. Barry Mesley (hazardous materials and rescue technician), Lt. William Richardson (rescue technician), FF/EMTP Jeffrey Childers (rescue technician), and FF/EMTP Lee Hines (search canine Krieger).

However, to minimize the impact on staffing, and in consideration of Lt. Mesley and FF/EMTP Childers having served during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Chief Jim Whitworth authorized Lt. Richardson (who was on duty) and FF/EMTP Hines for this activation. They were to report to Wright Patterson Air Force Base by 4 a.m. Jan. 14, to prepare themselves and the equipment cache for the deployment.

Chief Whitworth gave his final authorization after arrangements had been made to cover the balance of Lt. Richardson's shift. He later received received word that Hines would not be travelling with the Team to Haiti, and would be working his normal Miami Township schedule. Hines and Krieger were very disappointed.

Ohio Task Force 1 may be deployed for up to two weeks.

Lt. Richardson is a 20-year veteran of Miami Township's emergency services. He lives in Miami Township with his wife and two children.

The department and its personnel will need to cover the shifts left vacant by Lt. Richardson's deployment. The Township will be reimbursed by FEMA, not just for Lt. Richardson's salary, but also for contributions to his pension, as well as the costs (salary and pension) for backfilling his position.

The department wishes Lt. Richardson a safe return.