Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Davis | Spc. Aaron J. Lebo, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company,...... read more read more
WESTMINSTER, Md. – Maryland Army National Guard soldiers with 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment and firefighters assigned to the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. 1 in Westminster, Md., joined forces to tackle rescue missions for the winter storm Feb. 13, 2014.
With Gov. Martin O’Malley’s state of emergency declaration, up to 250 service members were activated on state active duty for severe winter weather response operations.
Severe weather is a huge problem for local first responders.
“In this weather, our trucks are not capable of getting to patients,” said Mike Hess, an engineer with the Westminster Fire Department.
Hess said Maryland National Guard soldiers are a big help and it’s really helpful to have someone on his team who is capable of driving a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle.
Spc. Aaron J. Lebo, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company of 1-175th was tasked to transport patients with a HMMWV from one rescue point to an ambulance truck.
Lebo knows that his vehicle is a big asset in emergency situations like this winter storm. Lebo said he keeps his gear ready and he constantly performs preventive maintenance checks and services on his vehicle so that he can reduce possible accidents and breakdowns.
“I’m always ready,” said Lebo, when asked about going back out in the snowy weather after sitting in the warm and cozy fire department.
As a part of the Maryland’s Quick Reaction Force, Lebo said he is used to responding to natural disasters like this winter storm.
Previously, Lebo has responded to Superstorm Sandy and is a certified emergency medical technician, a fire fighter 1.
Lebo said he enjoys going out on missions and working with first responders like the fire department. “I think it’s a great collaboration.”
| Date Taken: | 02.13.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 02.14.2014 09:31 |
| Story ID: | 120640 |
| Location: | WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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