Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office helps Manatee County after Hurricane Milton devastation

OKALOOSA, Fla. ( WKRG ) — The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has been helping with debris clearing and traffic control in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton since leaving for deployment on Wednesday.

19 Okaloosa volunteers went to Manatee County, south of Tampa.

Major Kevin Kirkpatrick with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said the love they receive from devasted communities is what makes the long days away from home worth it.

“They love the fact that we’re here, whatever jurisdiction we’re in, that they love seeing people come in from out of town,” said Major Kirkpatrick.

Major Kirkpatrick added that Okaloosa County volunteers don’t deploy with certain tasks they know need to be completed, but rather assist in a handful of ways depending on the county’s needs.

Major flooding over the roads of Manatee County. (Courtesy of Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office)

“We know that when we deploy, we have no idea what we’re going to be expecting to do. We just show up going give us a mission,” said Major Kirkpatrick. “Let us help you. It doesn’t matter what it is.”

Major Kirkpatrick and his crew said they believe in the motto that service is in their DNA. They’re expected to come home on Wednesday.

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