Los Angeles, United States - November 12, 2025 11/11/2025 09:15 pm GMT-0800 PACOIMA, LOS ANGELES, Calif. – It was a heartfelt reunion Tuesday as families welcomed home members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s elite Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, USA-2, following their two-week deployment to Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Firefighters were greeted with open arms — and wagging tails — as spouses, children, and pets ran to embrace their loved ones the moment they stepped off the transport vehicle. The team’s return marked the end of a demanding mission that tested both endurance and compassion in the face of devastation caused by the Category 5 storm. Under the direction of the U.S. Department of State, the 34-member team — accompanied by four search canines and 42,000 pounds of specialized equipment — joined Fairfax County Fire Department’s USA-1 as part of the federal government’s rapid assessment and rescue mission. Together, the two U.S. teams provided critical aid to communities ravaged by Melissa, which left widespread destruction across the island nation. During their deployment, USA-2 members conducted wide-area damage assessments, inspected buildings for safety, cleared debris to reopen vital roadways, and delivered food, water, and medical supplies by both air and ground. They also installed temporary roofing at damaged health facilities, helping restore access to essential care. “As USA-2’s mission comes to a close, the Los Angeles County Fire Department remains deeply inspired by the compassion and resilience of the Jamaican people,” the department said in a statement. “We stand alongside all impacted residents and communities and pray for continued strength as healing and recovery continues.” The L.A. County Fire Department’s USA-2 team is one of only two U.S. international urban search and rescue teams authorized by the federal government to deploy overseas, a distinction that underscores their role as one of the world’s premier disaster response units.