POLK COUNTY, Fla. — As the caravan of sheriff’s deputy vehicles pulled away, their sirens screamed the welcoming sound that help is on the way. That’s the message and the mission of more than two dozen Polk County deputies, firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers on their way to storm victims in Fort Myers.

Sheriff’s Detective Michael Branch was quick to volunteer to be one of them.

“I signed up with Polk County many years ago to assist and face whatever tragedy come across,” he said. “So it’s in my DNA, I guess.”

So instead of solving crimes, for the next week and a half, Branch will be answering prayers, navigating an airboat to help those helpless to save what they had from the storm.

“We can travel on land and obviously on water (with the airboat)”, he said. “Preferably skinny water.”

With a pep talk and a prayer from a proud sheriff, the caravan, nicknamed “The Grady Train” is taking all it needs to help, not hinder the recovery efforts.

“We’ve got commercial fryers, ovens, stove, grill, flat top, steam table serving window in the back,” said Sheriff’s Lt. Paul Wright. “We take 100% of what we need to maintain for so long. We’re there to help.”

Branch is also taking hopes and prayers that are very personal. He has extended family in the Fort Myers area — uncles and aunts who he hasn’t heard from since Wednesday. For him, this is more than his duty. It’s family.

“I’ve got family and friends praying for our safety,” he said.