The search and rescue team emotionally returns home after finding eleven bodies from Helene

COLCHESTER, Vt. (WCAX/Gray News) – A search and rescue team in Vermont has returned home after spending more than two weeks helping with hurricane rescue and recovery efforts.

Vermont’s Urban Search and Rescue team returned to the Green Mountains Thursday after spending 17 days in Florida and North Carolina following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

The 21-member team traveled to Florida on September 24th. They were responsible for rapid water rescue and recovery missions as well as conducting multiple water searches along the Gulf Coast.

In North Carolina, the team was responsible for recovery missions and searching for victims who did not survive the storm.

For some members, the difficult mission was their first deployment outside the state.

“During a tragedy, we often don’t have as much contact with the family. This was definitely closely connected with family members throughout the event. It was a challenge, but we had a mission to accomplish and we completed it and feel good about it,” said rescuer Josh Merriam.

Team commander Mike Cannon says that after arriving in North Carolina, the team recovered the bodies of 11 family members whose homes were washed away in a landslide.

“It was our job and we felt like we were making a difference,” said rescuer Taylor Peyton.

Community members thanked the team for their service and were greeted by world leaders upon their return.

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