• Kevin Smith

Miami-Dade Salvation Army Disaster Team Released from Bridge Collapse Site

Miami, FL – The Salvation Army local disaster teams of Miami-Dade and Broward counties arrived at the Florida International University bridge collapse within hours and worked around the clock for three days supporting emergency responders.  After serving more than 2,800 meals and snacks both teams were released and have returned home to prepare for response to local severe weather across Florida.

The Salvation Army Miami-Dade local disaster team, headed by Mr. Raymond Boyd,led the effort coordinating volunteers and emotional and spiritual care workers.  His recent role serving at the Hurricane Maria reception center helped prepare the team for quick response.

“We knew right away that this was going to be an extended operation for our responders and we began contacting our local partners to help support our responders” said Mr. Boyd.  “There was no doubt that the businesses wanted to show their support, so we began contacting those we have relationships with and man, did they step up.”

While the first hot meals were prepared and served off the mobile feeding canteens, local businesses in Doral, Florida, like McDonalds, Sam’s Club and Chick-Fil-A contributed by providing sandwiches, hamburgers, chips and water.  The mobile “kitchen on wheels” known as a disaster canteens were located less than a block away from the collapse.  Water, coffee, hot chocolate and hundreds of snacks were served around the clock to grateful Miami-Dade police, fire and transportation workers.

Today, Captain Enrique Azuaje, The Salvation Army, Area Commander for Miami-Dade county gathered local team members in preparation for the potential for severe weather.  He encouraged local volunteers to update their contact information on their disaster profiles in case another response is needed.  He expressed his appreciation of local businesses throughout the area who contacted his office offering support

"The Salvation Army cannot provide response like this without help from the community."  Captain Azuaje continued,  "We are extremely grateful to our supporters both in volunteering time, and those donating supplies and financial gifts to help us support our front line responders."

For more information or if you wish to volunteer or donate to support the FIU Bridge Collapse or current response to severe weather throughout Florida, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or log on to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org