Brooks Applauds Indiana Task Force One

Press Release

As Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications, Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) visited the headquarters of Indiana Task Force One (IN-TF1) today. IN-TF1 uses a volunteer force mostly composed of local emergency response professionals to provide a wide range of support for disaster relief efforts across the United States.

"IN-TF1 plays a vital role in our national blueprint for emergency preparedness and response efforts," Brooks said. "A mostly volunteer force led by a full-time team of dedicated and highly-qualified experts, IN-TF1 is always ready to act when duty calls. In fact, even though many of the force members live in communities several hours away from their headquarters, IN-TF1 is able to mobilize and deploy within just four hours. Hoosiers should feel safe and proud knowing IN-TF1 is located right in our backyard."

The Congresswoman's tour included a review of the forces equipment cache. A typical cache for a task force weighs approximately 60,000 pounds and includes more than 16,400 individual pieces. Equipment supports a wide range of activities including rescue, medical and communications efforts.

IN-TF1 was last deployed as part of the national response to Hurricane Sandy. The force travelled to Nassau County to conduct search and rescue missions in Long Beach, Island Park, Oceanside, Bellmore, Seaford and Massapequa. In just three days, the team completed searches in 5,552 residential structures and 100 commercial buildings. Upon learning of Congresswoman Brooks planned visit, Congressman Peter King (R-NY2) sent a letter to IN-TF1, thanking members for emergency support provided in his district during the hurricane.

IN-TF1 was established in 1992 and is one of 25 original Urban Search and Rescue teams created as part of the Urban Search and Rescue System. The force has three full-time staffers who lead a team of 193 volunteers. In total, 75 percent of task force members are Hoosier firefighters and 25 percent are civilian volunteers such as physicians and engineers. Funding for IN-TF1 and the Urban Search and Rescue System is provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Force members are only paid following deployment.

Source