ST. GEORGE -- During the 2016 flood, the St. George Fire Department's Special Operations Division had a rescue team, but it was smaller, and its water capabilities were limited for an event of that scale.

The flood changed how the department prepares, responds and coordinates during large-scale disasters, and since the flood, the teams have made major upgrades to ensure that if an event like it ever happens again, they'll be ready.

When the flooding came, they say they didn't have the resources they do now, especially when it comes to water rescues.

"In our special operations, we had a dedicated rescue unit, but we had very limited capability for boats. At the time, we only had 1 boat that we got during Hurricane Katrina," St. George Fire Protection District Chief Chad Roberson said.

Now, the Special Operations Division consists of 29 highly trained personnel specializing in technical and water rescues, swift water operations, and emergency incidents.

They also now have 8 rescue boats.

"We didn't have any high-water vehicles; we have 3 now. We were able to get some grants through a couple of foundations and the state to purchase some of the boats and also purchase some of the high water vehicles," Roberson said.

A lesson SGFD and its division learned from 2016 is that flood emergencies can happen anywhere. That's why every engine and ladder company of theirs carries personal flotation devices and rope throw bags.

Now, we're a lot better prepared and far more equipped for a large-scale event," Shift Commander Cody Gateley said.

One of its newest capabilities is the addition of a department drone.

We're looking to get another one. We recently just sent 7 members to train to become drone pilots. These drones will give us overhead watch abilities and we'll be able to grid and map out areas, which will make our search more effective," Chief of Special Operations Wes Mondrick said.

Along with water rescues, it's much improved in the division's other facets.

"We have dedicated people on duty every day now, not only to handle water rescue emergencies, but hazardous materials, technical rescue," Roberson said.

The division's spent the last decade preparing for anything, and says it starts with keeping residents prepared.

"Right now, looking into some of the texting software that comes through some of the federal government via grants and also some of the things that we can do now with the city of St. George on board, where we can get information to our public very, very quickly," Public Education and Information Officer Meg Kling said.

Saint George Fire has also created an all-hazards incident management team, specializing in incident command, planning, logistics, and resource tracking.