Texas Task Force 1 passes FEMA Peer Evaluation with high marks
COLLEGE STATION – Texas Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) has passed the FEMA Task Force Operational Readiness Evaluation with flying colors. The FEMA Peer Evaluation Team found TX-TF1 is “fully operational” with no deficiencies or conditions.
“We completed the evaluation with very high marks and praise,” said TX-TF1 Operations Chief Jeff Saunders. “This is a significant milestone for the Task Force. We are one of eight FEMA Task Forces being evaluated this year, and this peer evaluation verifies the self-evaluation we did last year.”
The FEMA Operational Readiness Evaluation report stated: “The Peer Evaluation Team commends Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and TX-TF1 for overall management, resource utilization and sponsoring agency commitment to the National US&R Program.”
TX-TF1 was also commended for its accomplishments, which included:
- TX-TF1 has purchased or is in process of acquiring all the required WMD cache in accordance with FEMA Program Directives.
- Every aspect of TX-TF1 logistical operations is optimized for rapid and efficient deployment of personnel and equipment.
- TX-TF1 commitment to training by completing over 24,000 hours of annual training. This strongly contributes to the readiness of the Task Force.
The peer evaluation team was comprised of FEMA Urban Search & Rescue staff and members of other state urban search and rescue teams.
“We appreciate all of the Task Force members who have committed so much time to keep their training and administrative requirements up,” Saunders said. “And we thank the TEEX leadership and staff for all of the support for the team. As always, we are ready operationally, logistically and administratively to serve our fellow citizens.”
About Texas Task Force 1
TX-TF1 is sponsored by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and has deployed over 80 times since 1997, including the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy, Sept.11th World Trade Center attack, and Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike. TX-TF1 can be activated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management or as one of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 28 sanctioned US&R teams.