Governor Tate Reeves announced today the deployment of additional law enforcement assets from Mississippi to assist North Carolina’s response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The deployment includes 22 Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) and 25 Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) members. They will help with search and rescue missions and traffic control.

These reinforcements mark the latest effort in a broader mission that has seen Mississippi deploy resources to five states affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Of the 14 total missions, seven have already returned home.

“Mississippi will continue assisting our fellow Americans in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” Governor Reeves said. “These 47 law enforcement officers will be another valuable asset in recovery efforts, and I thank them for stepping up to serve.”

The current status of Mississippi’s contributions to hurricane response includes:

• Florida: Swift Water Rescue Team (local first responders), 2 Blackhawk helicopters and crew, 1 Chinook helicopter and crew (all demobilized).
• Georgia: 3 – 150kW generators from MEMA (demobilized).
• South Carolina: Engineer team from the Mississippi National Guard (demobilized).
• North Carolina: Private sector coordinators (2), 1 Chinook helicopter and crew (demobilized), MHP law enforcement (22), MDWFP law enforcement (25).
• Tennessee: Voluntary agency liaisons (2) from MEMA.

Mississippi also provided a Type 1 Fire Engine Strike Team for Hurricane Milton. Although it has since demobilized, it continues to support additional helicopters and crews.

The Mississippi National Guard, MEMA, and local first responders remain engaged in these critical recovery operations.