MOBILE, Ala. — Alabama Task Force 1, the urban search and rescue team that includes specialists from Mobile Fire-Rescue, has wrapped up its mission in Texas and is returning home after nine days helping communities recover from severe flooding.
The team, known as AL-TF1, was demobilized and began its trip back to Alabama after the State of Texas formally recognized the work Alabama’s task forces contributed during the deployment. According to the organization, the mission gave AL-TF1 members a chance to strengthen relationships with other Alabama-based teams, provide emergency response support, take part in specialized training and assist Texas communities directly affected by flooding.
What began as an operation centered in Crystal City, Texas, eventually expanded across the southeastern part of the state, with AL-TF1 personnel supporting efforts in Laredo, Rio Bravo, Austin and San Antonio before the mission concluded.
“As our team returns, we will regroup, service equipment, and prepare for the next mission,” the organization said in a statement posted to its Facebook page.
AL-TF1 credited Mobile Fire-Rescue leadership, Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis, the city’s executive leadership team, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Gov. Kay Ivey and the state’s federal and state legislators for supporting the deployment. “Without the State’s continuous support, this mission would not be possible,” the team said.
Alabama Task Force 1 is the state’s Type 1 State Urban Search & Rescue team, formed in October 2001 to bolster disaster readiness along the Gulf Coast. The team is sponsored by the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department and the State of Alabama, with funding through the Office of Domestic Preparedness and State Homeland Security. Its ranks include search and rescue specialists, K-9 teams, structural engineers, trauma physicians and nurses, equipment operators, logistics specialists and command and support personnel drawn from departments across Alabama.
AL-TF1 says prospective members must live within three hours of Mobile to meet the team’s rapid-deployment requirements. Those with technical expertise in rescue, medical care, nursing, logistics or engineering can reach out to the organization to learn more about joining.