Four members of the Metro West Fire Protection District deployed at approximately 10 p.m. Monday to meet up with other members of Missouri Task Force 1 being sent to help with East Coast storm-related problems. Metro West rescuers headed to assist with Superstorm Sandy impacts include Battalion Chief John Bradley, Captain Jim Silvernail, Captain Brian Zaitz, and Captain Steve Heidbreder.

The Wildwood-based team members then deployed at 1 a.m. on Tuesday from Columbia, MO, as part of Task Force 1 team that includes 80 personnel and 100,000-plus pounds of equipment. They will be deployed for up to 14 days.

See Eureka-Wildwood Patch article published earlier this morning for more background: Eureka, Wildwood Firefighters Head to Superstorm Sandy

Metro West Chief Vincent Loyal said it is amazing to see the dedication of the staff to help those in need both locally and around the country. 

"This is an incredibly tragic disaster, but, I am confident that our rescuers will utilize their specialty training and skills to save lives," he said.