Published: 05-18-07
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today praised the recent addition to Texas’ urban search and rescue capabilities Texas Task Force 2 (TTF2). TTF2 was developed by the City of Dallas and received training and developmental support provided by Texas Engineering Extension Service Texas Task Force 1. TTF2 will be activated and deployed by the governor with the concurrence of the City of Dallas city manager.“Texas Task Force 2 will play a vital role in search and rescue missions throughout the state in times of disaster” Perry said. “Texas is uniquely prepared for disaster situations with the skilled emergency personnel of Texas Task Force 1 and now Texas Task Force 2 who are all trained to act swiftly to protect and save lives when Texans are most vulnerable.”
Texas Task Force 1 is a 300-member force that is nationally recognized for its unique search and rescue capabilities. It was deployed to New York City following the terrorist attack on 9/11 to New Orleans following the landfall of Hurricane Katrina and most recently the full Task Force was deployed to assist in search and rescue operations in Maverick County as a result of the tragic tornado that struck that area April 24. Texas Task Force 1’s urban search and rescue and water rescue teams have expertise in responding to both man-made and natural disasters. Members include firefighters medical specialists canines and handlers heavy equipment operators structural engineers and other specialty emergency responders.
