Two TX-TF1 Boat Squads, Rescue Swimmers deployed to Pecos in response to flooding

COLLEGE STATION – The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) yesterday afternoon requested Texas Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) to mobilize some of its assets to Pecos, Texas, to assist the local jurisdiction with response to flooding occurring in the area. At 6 a.m. this morning, TX-TF1 deployed two Boat Squads and rescue swimmers to man two Blackhawk helicopters in partnership with Texas Military Forces.

The partnership between TX-TF1 and Texas Military Forces to create the Helicopter Search & Rescue Team (HSART) has been in place for over a decade. They train together with around eight exercises annually, creating a valuable asset to respond in these situations.

Flood conditions in the area are expected to continue through much of the week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens affected by this flood and the responders working to ensure their safety.

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.

Task Force Website: www.texastaskforce1.org/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/txtf1