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Indiana Task Force One heads home following Hurricane Matthew assignment

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WISH) – After traveling south to assist with Hurricane Matthew water rescues, an Indiana emergency responders group is heading home.

Indiana Task Force One left Friday, and stationed in Georgia. On Monday, the group got clearance to start the demobilization process.

Indiana Task Force One is made up of Firefighters from across Central Indiana. Nearly 90 of them traveled to the southeast.

With flooding expected, FEMA asked them to assist with search and rescue missions. The call never happened. Although they waited, officials said they were able to make good use of the trip.

“[Sunday] we got our boats out, put them in the water, make sure everything was working like it was supposed to,” Indiana Task Force One spokesperson, Michael Pruitt said. “We’ve had some of our training with the K-9’s. Reviewing policies and procedures, just to make sure that everybody is ready to go if we are called into action.”

This isn’t the first time Indiana Task Force One traveled and didn’t get used. During a disaster, they’re put to use if local agencies can’t handle the call.

Despite waiting to help, responders said they are in good spirits. They’re ready to return to Indiana. Crews should be back sometime Tuesday.