CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah –
Under the direction of Gov. Gary R. Herbert, 200 service members of the Utah National Guard will support the state with emergency clean-up efforts after hurricane-level winds tore through northern Utah, primarily Salt Lake, Davis, Weber and Cache Counties. Utah National Guard support for this large-scale, clean-up operations is anticipated to be from Sept. 11–14, 2020.
Gov. Herbert signed Executive Order 2020-61, declaring a state of emergency due to the severe-weather conditions effective Sept. 9, 2020, and will remain in effect until the threat or danger has passed or the disaster reduced to the extent that emergency conditions no longer exist.
“Part of the National Guard’s mission is to respond locally and statewide in support of government agencies for natural disasters, hazmat incidents, and civil emergencies,” said. Gov. Herbert. “I’m extremely thankful for the Utah Guard and the valuable role they will play in helping the state clean up and move forward. We salute them and thank them for the continued support and service they have rendered to all Utahns.”
The severe-weather event caused significant damage, including downed trees, widespread-power outages, utility-water breaks, gas leaks, damage to homes and vehicles, and wind- and debris-impacted roadways.
Engineering and logistic elements from the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade will work under direction of the Unified Command located at the State Emergency Operations Center to assist local and civil agencies with debris removal and community clean-up operations within the affected areas of Davis and Salt Lake County.
“The 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade is highly trained in domestic-emergency-response operations, and has a history of excellence when it comes to responding to state emergencies,” said Col. Woodrow Miner, commander, 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. “They are very professional and always ready to perform their assigned missions and assist their communities.”
The Utah National Guard has unique capabilities and is trained to work with emergency responders and is ready to support the whole-of-government efforts during this state of emergency. Several smaller elements of Utah National Guard will also support the clean-up effort.
The Utah National Guard has a proven track record of answering the call to assist civilian authorities during emergencies.
Please direct all questions to Maj. Jaime Thomas, 801-716-9063, ng.ut.utarng.list.pao@mail.mil.