Bowie fire chief deploys for Hurricane Beryl response

BOWIE, Texas ( KTAL/KSHV )—As Tropical Storm Beryl bears down on the Texas coast, Bowie Rural Fire Department Chief Randall Preuninger is answering the call.

Preuninger also serves as the Chief of Wise County EMS Rescue, which received a call for assistance Saturday to support Emergency Medical Task Force 2 .

“We were going to deploy an ambulance down, and then they called back a short time later, needing strike team leaders. So, we actually sent one of our ambulance crews down as part of a strike team out of EMTF 2 down to College Station. They’re awaiting the storm’s arrival,” said Preuninger.

Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to strengthen into a Cat 1 hurricane before making landfall along the central Texas coast late Sunday night. Personnel from across the state are responding to support emergency services along the path of the storm.

“I’ve deployed as a strike team leader. But I was actually sent to San Antonio and teamed up with a different EMTF, EMTF 8 ,” said Preuninger.

“Our primary goal, first and foremost, is to help out the EMS system down here. And secondly, to try to get some of these people out that perhaps can’t or don’t have a way out.”

Preuninger explained areas like nursing homes need time to evacuate. Many patients require EMS care or continued care, and it may take hours to get everyone out safely.

“We’re kind of a multi-mission group. Whatever comes our way, we’ll get it taken care of.”

He said that they’re happy to assist with the storm response.

“We’re glad to help, and we know if we ever need them, then they’ll come help us too.”

Wise County Judge J.D. Clark thanked the team in a statement online Sunday.

“In Wise County, we believe in being “good neighbors” to our fellow Texans. Members of our incredible Wise County EMS have been deployed by the State of Texas to be ready to help our South Texas neighbors as Tropical Storm Beryl keeps moving. Proud of their training, their preparedness, and their willingness to help!”

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