Spring Hill Fire Partners With New Port Richey

Whenever rescue units are faced with excavating someone from inside a collapsed building, they can be assured of backup.

Spring Hill Fire Rescue reached an agreement with the New Port Richey Fire Department that allows for each other's Light Technical Rescue Team to assist the other during an emergency.

"This allows us to have a formal partnership," said Interim Spring Hill Fire Chief Mike Rampino.

The New Port Richey City Council approved the memorandum two weeks ago. The Spring Hill Fire Rescue District Board of Commissioners did the same Wednesday.

Both teams were formed as part of the State Emergency Response Plan.

The purpose of the rescue teams is to search and recover people trapped under wreckage and confined areas in the wake of a hurricane or other natural disaster, Rampino said.

Both units also could be asked to travel to other parts of the state for a rescue effort.

The New Port Richey Fire Department is one of the smallest in the state to have a Light Technical Rescue Team. Still, the minimum number of personnel needed for a response is six.

Spring Hill Fire Rescue also has a similar partnership with Citrus County Fire Rescue, Rampino said.

The agreement allows the departments to train together and share equipment.