Auburn (WSYR-TV) -- A number of local fire departments have sent specialized crews to New York City to aid in relief efforts, including a group from Cayuga County. That crew deployed to Coney Island Tuesday morning.
Governor Cuomo says hundreds of people have been rescued in New York City alone. That’s why more than a dozen firefighters from Auburn, Aurelius and Owasco geared up and took their life-saving skills to one of the hardest hit areas.
“It’s tense because they don't know exactly what they're getting into. We receive a slip of paper saying here's where you're going. We have no idea what the conditions there are,” said Auburn Fire Chief Jeff Dygert.
The crew will be in New York City for at least three days and will likely work long 12-hour shifts.
“They stepped up and volunteered to go because they are the highest trained. There is another team waiting for them to come back, to be deployed if need be,” said Cayuga County Director of Emergency Management Brian Dahl.
The departments have kept enough people here at home in case of emergencies in Cayuga County and are still keeping a close eye on Sandy’s track as it moves north.
“We dodged a huge bullet, but we're still in response mode helping out our brothers and sisters in New York City. They were here to help us with Hurricane Irene, and now we're here to help them,” said Dahl.
The fire departments are also assembling another crew in case they need to respond to other areas along the eastern seaboard hit hard by Sandy.
