Nebraska National Guard being deployed to assist tornado cleanup efforts

The Nebraska National Guard is being deployed to fulfill multiple resource requests by Douglas County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in response to the April 26 tornadoes.

Earlier this week, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Omaha Police Department submitted resource requests through the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the Nebraska National Guard to provide personnel for controlled vehicle access and traffic management in Douglas County neighborhoods impacted by severe weather.

A press release sent Thursday morning stated the Nebraska National Guard was preparing to deploy approximately 80 soldiers and airmen to support requests for assistance, on the order of Gov. Jim Pillen. Most of the volunteer soldiers and airmen were scheduled to receive initial briefs and instructions Thursday before integrating with local law enforcement at designated areas. The soldiers and airmen will work in shifts managing traffic controls and conducting roving patrols to ensure safety and wellbeing within the affected areas.

On Wednesday, a Nebraska Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter transported Nebraska Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, along with FEMA and NEMA officials, through the area to conduct damage surveillance and assessment over much of the affected areas.

“The Nebraska National Guard remains always ready with a robust team of professionals who are fully trained and equipped to accomplish all missions – including supporting local, state, and national partners whenever requested to aid our fellow citizens in need,” Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska adjutant general and NEMA director, said in a statement.