Madison's finest are answering the call to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said Thursday the city would offer four Madison firefighters-a pair of two-person teams-to help what U.S. government officials say is \the worst natural disaster in U.S. history.""
The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a request for 1,000 teams to volunteer in the aftermath of the devastating hurricane.
Madison Assistant Fire Chief Jim Keiken said the fire department is awaiting contact from FEMA officials before the Madison firefighters are deployed.
""The firefighters volunteered for the assignment,"" he said, ""and we had more firefighters volunteer than there were positions.""
Keiken said the names of these additional volunteers were made available should the city decide to provide further assistance to the hurricane relief.
Madison firefighters would facilitate first aid and help citizens acquire federal assistance.
FEMA said volunteering firefighters should be prepared for severe weather conditions and a poor working environment.
Keiken said the Madison fire teams will stay in the area for a minimum of 30 days, or possibly longer if further support is needed.
Cieslewicz said the city wants to replicate the generosity of Madison's citizens by contributing to the Hurricane Katrina cause.
Brian Miller, the executive director for Dane County Inc.'s Habitat for Humanity, said the program will begin rebuilding homes in early October in Jackson, Miss. Dane County's program will ""stay attuned to ways it can help,"" he said.
