Hillsborough sheriff’s office sends aviation, dive teams to Panhandle for Isaias recovery

TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has sent aviation and water-rescue personnel to help with recovery efforts in the Florida Panhandle following Hurricane Isaias.The agency said Friday it deployed two helicopter flight crews and an aviation mechanic. Members of HCSO’s dive team, trained in water rescue and recovery, were expected to leave later that afternoon.The crews will be staged and ready to help after the storm passes, according to the sheriff’s office.Hurricane Isaias expected to make landfall along western Florida panhandle this eveningHCSO said it is responding at the request of the Florida State Emergency Operations Center. Personnel will work with local, state and federal agencies in affected communities.“When our state needs help, we will always answer the call. These deputies are highly trained professionals, and I’m proud of their willingness to leave the comfort of their own families to serve other communities in need,” Sheriff Chad Chronister