PHOTOS: RFD deploys search & rescue team to Erie County after snowstorm

ROCHESTER, N.Y. The Rochester Fire Department and the Monroe County Special Operations Unit deployed an urban search and rescue team to Erie County on Saturday.

The team will help with rescues throughout the Buffalo area, including those involving buildings that have collapsed due to the weight of snow from this week’s lake effect snowstorm. Erie County is currently under a state of emergency because of the weather event.

RFD Capt. David Abdoch said that the team was requested by the Department of Homeland Security and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.