Home / Disasters and Accidents / LA County Rescue Team Rushes to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa Destruction
LA County Rescue Team Rushes to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa Destruction
31 Oct
Summary
- LA County Fire Department deploys 34-member USAR team to Jamaica
- Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, caused catastrophic damage in Jamaica
- K-9 Search Specialist ready to provide closure to families of victims
On October 31, 2025, the Los Angeles County Fire Department announced the deployment of a 34-member Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team to Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The powerful Category 5 hurricane, which made landfall in the island nation just last week, has been described as the most devastating storm to hit the region in 174 years of record-keeping.
The USAR team, which includes four search dogs, is bringing 42,000 pounds of specialized equipment and supplies to aid in the recovery efforts. They will join a similarly-sized team from Virginia in the search for survivors and the recovery of victims. K-9 Search Specialist JP Hilsabeck and his dog, Bond, are among the team members ready to provide closure to the families of those affected by the hurricane's destruction.
