SPOKANE, Wash. — Six firefighters from Spokane Valley Fire Department have deployed to western Washington this week to assist communities battling historic flooding in Skagit and Snohomish counties.

The crew is working as part of a regional Swiftwater Rescue Strike Team alongside Spokane Fire Department personnel.

The deployed team includes Capt. Ben Riddle, Capt. Casey Brischle, Capt. Scott Niebuhr, Firefighter Montana Sturges, Firefighter Sam Gauksheim and Firefighter Miles Rinne.

They deployed with three specialized vehicles: Valley Rescue 2, Valley Water 2 and Valley 24, which are equipped for water rescue operations in flood conditions.

The deployment is part of Washington state's emergency response system, where fire departments provide mutual aid during major disasters.

The cre

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