Monday, a rapid response team from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office headed north to Flagler County to help out in some of the hardest hit areas of Florida.
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“They were inundated with calls for service. We know there’s been some looting up there. Their main artery north south A1A has been cut off,” said Martin County Sheriff William Snyder.
The team, consisting of nearly a dozen personnel, was deployed as part of a mutual aid agreement signed by all the sheriffs in the state of Florida.
“We have a memo of understanding that if one sheriff needs help, they can request help from another sheriff’s office. When my men left (Monday), and until they get back, they will be fully sworn and able to enforce all the laws of the state of Florida in Flagler County,” Sheriff Snyder said.
In fact, had the storm come closer to the Treasure Coast, 20 deputies from Pasco County would have been on their way to Martin County.
“No Sheriff’s office has the manpower to adequately patrol and protect property if they get a direct hit from a Category 4 or a Category 5,” Snyder said.
“Our life is public safety and if they can do it in Flagler County, they’re happy to go,” he added.
Sheriff Snyder says his team will be in place as long as necessary.
