Polk County, FL
08/31/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/31/2026 14:49
Polk County Fire Rescue Deploying C...Polk County Fire Rescue Deploy...
Polk County Fire Rescue Deploying Crew to Texas Wildfire
Published: August 31, 2026
Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 31, 2026) - Polk County Fire Rescue has deployed a brush truck crew to assist firefighters battling the 93,000-acre Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County, Texas.
Captain Matt Bailey and Firefighter/EMT Damian Smith will represent Polk County Fire Rescue during their Texas deployment. They are also representing the state of Florida through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith recognized the crew's dedication ahead of their deployment.
"Bailey and Smith have stepped up to answer the call - taking time away from their families, coworkers and normal duties," said Smith. "Their willingness to deploy to another state demonstrates the professionalism, bravery and commitment that define our organization."
Bailey and Smith were deployed on Friday and are expected to return within two weeks.
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