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

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

The team of 21 left for Florida on September 24. They were responsible for fast-water rescue and recovery missions as well as several aquatic searches on the Gulf Coast.

In North Carolina, the team was tasked with recovery and search missions for victims who did not survive the storm.

For some members, the difficult mission was their first out-of-state deployment.

“Often we don’t have a lot of interaction with family during a tragedy. It was definitely arm in arm with family members throughout the event. It was a challenge, but we had a mission to accomplish, we accomplished it and we feel good,” said lifeguard Josh Merriam.

Team commander Mike Cannon said that after arriving in North Carolina, the team recovered the bodies of 11 family members after their homes were swept away by a landslide.

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

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

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