HIGH WATER RESCUE TEAM
TRAINING PFD’s Flood and Swiftwater Team (F.A.S.T.) was a response to the devastating effects that Hurricane Harvey had on our city, its citizens, and their homes and businesses. While there was not a team during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, PFD personnel were still able to make over 400 rescues during the storm, and throughout the flooding event that lasted for several days. After-action data determined a technical water rescue team was an urgent and ongoing need to provide consistent response to flooding events for the rescue of victims within our city and the surrounding ETJ. In 2017, PFD personnel had minimal experience in technical water rescue, and completely lacked the needed equipment and training to be the most effective rescuers possible. This need has been successfully addressed and maintained by PFD. The current 2022 roster includes 52 fully trained members (27 PFD, 15 PPD, and 10 EPW). As the team continually strives to increase the number of members, training and rescue standards have also increased. The team has mandatory training a minimum of twice a year, taking place at the City of Pearland Natatorium, Local Waterpark Partnerships, PFD Fire Field, and LMTV driver training throughout the city. In June 2022, the high-water rescue team, in conjunction with Pearland Emergency Management, planned and conducted a a successful, large-scale Hurricane/ wide area flood response training event.
19 Pearland Fire Department - Annual Report
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