9/11 Memorial Groundbreaking slated for 14th Anniversary

The groundbreaking for a new 9/11 Memorial will be held at 9 a.m. on Sept. 11 at the headquarters of Texas Task Force 1 in College Station, and the public is invited to the event.

TEEX has an estimated $202 million annual economic impact on the Bryan-College Station area. The economic analysis was based on food and lodging purchased by more than 48,500 students attending local classes, purchases and contracts with local vendors, and salaries paid to local employees.

A new agreement with Texas A&M University – San Antonio will allow TEEX training courses to be accepted for college credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration. It is expected to benefit veterans seeking to advance their careers in the emergency services field.

Texas Task Force 1’s Canine Program hosted nearly 70 canine search specialist teams and search team managers at the FEMA Canine Search Specialist Weekend at Disaster City® in College Station in January.

Five employees have received the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). The employees were recognized with the agency’s highest honor for their outstanding efforts and dedication.

TEEX recently hosted the National FEMA Canine Certification Evaluation at Disaster City®. Undergoing evaluations were 17 dogs from 11 FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces from eight states

Members of the media will have the opportunity to view the joint-training exercise from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has requested Texas Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) mobilize some of its assets to Pecos, Texas, to assist the local jurisdiction with response to flooding occurring in the area. Two Boat Squads and rescue swimmers were deployed to man two Blackhawk helicopters in partnership with Texas Military Forces.

Retired Texas Task Force 1 search dog Bretagne was believed to be the last remaining Search Canine who deployed to the World Trade Center site in New York City after the events of 9/11. We are pleased to learn that Ohio Task Force 1 search canine Woody, who also deployed to Ground Zero, is happily enjoying retirement in Ohio.

Several Texas Legislators and more than 30 Legislative staff members participated in the Annual Legislative Day at the Municipal Fire School on July 23. The event was sponsored by the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association (SFFMA), TEEX and the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS).