INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana National Guard will be reimbursed about $130,000 after some of its troops were sent to Florida to aid in Hurricane Ian efforts and then turned away.
The Indiana National Guard sent more than a dozen troops, three flight crews, mechanics and helicopters to assist in Florida. But the agency was told that the Florida National Guard's assets were already sufficient and that an additional crew was no longer needed.
The large sum is an estimate of what it cost to fly crews to Fort Rucker, Alabama and back in helicopters, in addition to crew pay, meals and lodging, according to Indiana National Guard Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry, a spokesman for the agency.
Lowry said he could not speak to who made the decision to send troops back. He referred inquiries to the Florida National Guard's public affairs office.
In an email, Florida National Guard spokesman William Manley wrote that units from several states were sent back after an initial assessment determined the affected area "wasn’t as large as initially forecasted," but added that the agency is "extremely grateful for their willingness to assist us in our time of need."
He added, "Out of an abundance of caution, and because it takes several days to mobilize Guardsmen, we asked our EMAC partners for more capability than what was ultimately necessary."
Indiana Task Force 1 was also sent to assist and is still doing so as of Wednesday.
-
Hamilton County opens first mental health crisis center in Noblesville
Aspire Indiana Health's Rely Center provides immediate support for suicidal thoughts, substance use crisis and psychiatric emergencies in a welcoming environment.
Pacers Aaron Nesmith visits Peyton Manning Children's Hospital for Halloween
Earlier this month, Pacers Aaron Nesmith, dressed as Batman, went room to room with the Pacemates, the team posted on social media.
Braun: 'Getting very close' on session call; Senate says votes aren't there
Gov. Mike Braun said Wednesday that Indiana is "getting very close" to a decision on calling a special session for redistricting.
Nesmith gets contract extension as Pacers work to keep core group intact
The Indiana Pacers began the work of keeping their core starters together long term Tuesday by signing forward Aaron Nesmith to a two-year contract extension.
