Urban Search and Rescue Arizona Task Force 1
Urban Search and Rescue Arizona Task Force 1 or AZ-TF1 is a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force based in Phoenix, Arizona. AZ-TF1 is sponsored by the Phoenix Fire Department.[1]
AZ-TF1 is one of six Task Forces that is Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) certified having received extensive training in responding to incidents involving chemical, biological or radiological agents.[2]
AZ-TF1 is the only Task Force allowed to be accompanied by armed police officers. The Task Force was suspended during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and sent home because of a violation of rules allowing a Task Force to carry firearms. Upon review, it was determined that all of the Phoenix Police Department has been cross-certified as United States Marshals.[3] In addition, a FEMA Division Supervisor authorized the Task Force to bring the Marshals with them to provide protection from armed looters, persons wearing stolen police uniforms and alligators.[4] FEMA lifted the suspension and currently allows the armed Phoenix officers to accompany the Task Force to provide protection as long as the officers wear a U.S. Marhals' uniform. The policy is under review for possible expansion to the other FEMA Task Forces.[3]
Deployments
- Northridge earthquake, Los Angeles County, California[4]
- Oklahoma City bombing, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - The first Task Force to arrive on April 19, 1995. Deactivated on April 24.[5]
- September 11, 2001 attacks - Deployed to World Trade Center, New York City, New York[6]
- 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City, Utah - Deployed to a military base on standby in the event of a disaster or attack.
- Debris recovery of Space Shuttle Columbia disaster - February 2003.[7]
- Hurricane Katrina - Deployed to Louisiana[8] but were suspended and released early for firearms violations.[3]
- Hurricane Gustav, Galveston, Texas - Staging
References
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External links
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