KERR COUNTY, Texas – July 9, 2025, In a show of interstate solidarity, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced late Wednesday that the New York State Police (NYSP), along with canine search teams, have been deployed to Kerr County, Texas, to assist with ongoing search and recovery efforts following devastating floods. The deployment, which began on July 9, involves four NYSP staff and three specially trained canines and is expected to last 14 days.
The move comes in response to severe flooding that has ravaged parts of Texas since early July, with Kerr County reporting at least 94 fatalities along the Guadalupe River and significant property damage. The Trump administration approved a federal disaster declaration for the region on July 7, unlocking resources to supplement local recovery efforts. New York’s assistance is being coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national mutual aid system that facilitates support during governor-declared states of emergency.
“We join the people of Texas in praying for all impacted by these devastating floods,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “New York State is committed to helping those in need, and I am grateful for our State Police personnel who will be assisting officials in Kerr County.” NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James echoed the sentiment, noting, “The New York State Police is proud to support the people of Texas during this difficult time.”
The deployment underscores a critical moment for Texas, where recovery efforts have been hampered by challenges such as debris fires interfering with drone searches, as reported by Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Emergency Management is urging residents to complete damage surveys to assess the full scope of the disaster.
This act of support arrives as New York itself grapples with its own challenges. On July 8, Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency across 32 counties due to severe thunderstorms and extreme heat, stretching state resources thin. Despite this, the state has prioritized aiding its southern neighbor, reflecting a broader trend of national collaboration seen during the 2024 Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
Local relief organizations, including United Way chapters across Texas, have launched donation drives to support affected communities, with funds aimed at providing temporary housing, home repairs, and other essential aid. As search operations continue, the presence of New York’s canine teams is expected to bolster efforts to locate missing individuals in the flood-ravaged region.