OKEECHOBEE — Okeechobee County Fire Rescue has been busy this week serving not only the Okeechobee community, but also the community of Boca Grande.

On Monday, Oct. 3, OCFR deployed an Engine Company to Boca Grande in Lee County to assist with the recovery efforts from the devastating affects of Hurricane Ian. The assigned mission was to assist with the fire protection of that community. OCFR is proud to be able to provide this assistance to Boca Grande in their time of need.

They responded to numerous emergency calls, conducted damage assessments, and  assisted with whatever was asked of them on the island. On Thursday, Oct. 6, Deputy Chief Wooten stopped by to check in with the crew after he was released from his assignment at the Lee County EO.

Our crew arrived back safely to Okeechobee just before lunch on Wednesday, Oct. 12. They are required to be off the next 48 hours for rehabilitation to rest and deal with any personal issues at home after a strenuous deployment. The crew worked the past eight days straight supporting Lee County in their response and recovery efforts. Our crews stand ready to go back and assist our neighbors in Southwest Florida again if needed.

While one crew was assisting in Lee County, other crews were visiting Okeechobee schools to teach the students about fire safety. This is something Okeechobee City Fire Department did for many years, and after their department was closed, the county took on the task.