TX-TF1 assists local jurisdictions in Oklahoma

Gov. Rick Perry yesterday activated Texas Task Force 1 at FEMA’s request to assist local, state and federal responders in Oklahoma. The team spent today’s operational period assisting the local jurisdictions with search and rescue operations. In order to allow the maximum benefit for the rest period no interview requests will be granted tonight. We understand and appreciate the interest in what the task force is doing operationally, however the team is currently focused on the mission. In the coming days we will work with the local jurisdictions and FEMA to make interview opportunities available when possible.

The 80 member TX-TF1 “White” Team is a Type 1 Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Team consisting of Technical and Canine Search components along with Heavy Rescue personnel and equipment.

Who is TX-TF1?

TX-TF1 is sponsored by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and has deployed over 90 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 urban search and rescue teams.

Members of TX-TF1 range from firefighters and medical personnel, to structural engineers, and come from all areas capable of reporting to College Station within a five-hour window. The task force consists of three separate units of approximately 80 members each. The teams rotate on a monthly standby, stand down or on call status. The “White” Team is the task force currently on call for deployment.

Task Force Website: www.texastaskforce1.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/txtf1