Wisconsin troops head to Florida to help hurricane recovery

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A Wisconsin National Guard medical evacuation unit is headed to Florida to help that state recover from Hurricane Michael.

The state Department of Military Affairs says Gov. Scott Walker received a request for assistance from Florida officials and issued an executive order Wednesday authorizing a National Guard call-up to help.

A 12-member team based in West Bend reported to active duty Wednesday to prepare for deployment. The team is based in West Bend. The team will use two Black Hawk helicopters equipped with hoists to lift people out of high water.