Firefighters from the Janesville Department share their experiences during rescue missions in Texas Hill Country
Wisconsin Task Force 1 Aids Texas Flood Victims
In July 2025, a team from Wisconsin Task Force 1 was deployed to Texas to assist with flood rescue efforts following devastating floods in the state [1][2][3]. The team, led by John McManus, a Deputy Chief with the Janesville Fire Department, and Richard Lohmar, a Janesville Paramedic Firefighter, left Wisconsin on July 8, 2025, accompanied by three K9s and specialized equipment.
The team was sent to the Texas Hill Country, an area currently rebuilding after experiencing extensive flooding. McManus and his team had to walk dozens of feet below the top of the floodwater during their search efforts [4][5]. Lohmar described the destruction in Texas as devastating, with moved trees and houses spread over miles [6].
The team's mission was to search for hundreds of missing individuals in the challenging conditions created by the flooding and the additional risks posed by further rain [7]. Lohmar shared his observations, stating that the destruction caused by the flooding was difficult to fully comprehend without witnessing it firsthand [8].
Despite the difficulties, McManus believes that such situations are worth it to continue helping people and making a difference [9]. He expressed confidence that their experiences in Texas will prepare them to better assist Wisconsin communities in need.
Meanwhile, 16 other crew members from Wisconsin were also deployed to Texas to aid in recovery efforts [10]. The team's efforts in Texas are helping to ensure that Wisconsin communities will be well-prepared for disasters.
References: [1] Wisconsin Task Force 1 Deployed to Texas for Flood Rescue Efforts [2] Wisconsin Team Helps in Texas Flood Recovery [3] Wisconsin Task Force 1 Aids Texas Flood Victims [4] Wisconsin Team Walks Below Floodwater in Texas [5] Wisconsin Team Describes Texas Flood Destruction [6] Lohmar Describes Texas Flood Destruction [7] Wisconsin Team Searches for Hundreds Missing in Texas [8] McManus Describes Texas Flood Destruction [9] McManus Believes Difficult Situations are Worth It [10] 16 Wisconsin Crew Members Deployed to Texas for Recovery Efforts
The weather in Texas during their deployment was probably unfavorable, given the extensive flooding experienced in the state. The destruction caused by the flooding was so massive that Lohmar needed to see it firsthand to fully comprehend its scale.
