For Immediate Release    
#22-23    

NEW YORK TASK FORCE 1 US&R TEAM RETURNS TO NEW YORK AFTER DEPLOYMENT TO VERMONT TO ASSIST WITH FLOODING RESPONSE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS

July 18, 2023 — The New York City Emergency Management Department, New York City Fire Department and New York City Police Department today welcomed back 46 members of the Urban Search and Rescue team — New York Task Force 1. Activated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and managed by NYC Emergency Management, the specialized team deployed to Vermont to assist with response and recovery efforts after flooding in Vermont.

The team successfully rescued three individuals, and safely evacuated 33 individuals from affected areas. Their commitment to ensuring the well-being of those in crisis was further exemplified through shelter-in-place welfare checks conducted for 61 individuals who were unable to evacuate. Furthermore, the team diligently assessed the damage to 465 structures, identifying potential risks and prioritizing safety measures. Their efforts extended to plotting 116 hazards, providing a comprehensive map that highlighted areas requiring immediate attention for effective mitigation of potential dangers.

“When Vermont needed help, New York City was there, and I want to welcome back our frontline heroes who helped our brothers and sisters in Vermont last week when they were hit with flooding,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We have seen the devastation, the homes and communities underwater, and we know this is has been a painful moment for so many in Vermont. In times of need, New York City is always there to lend a helping hand and members of the NYPD, FDNY, and NYCEM had the backs of our neighbors in the Green Mountain State. The men and women of New York Task Force 1 & US&R helped rescue three individuals and safely evacuated 33 individuals from affected areas. Climate change is here, and this will not be the last time our nation is impacted by it. We must continue to draw down emissions, improve air quality, build resiliency, and be there for each other. On behalf of 8.5 million New Yorkers and the 645,000 Vermonters, thank you to the men and women of New York Task Force 1 for answering the call.”

“Today, we extend a heartfelt welcome home to the 46 members of New York Task Force 1, who fearlessly responded to the urgent call for assistance in Vermont's flood-stricken communities,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “In New York City, we stand united in times of adversity and the actions of Task Force 1 exemplify our steadfast commitment to helping those in need. Their selflessness, expertise, and remarkable efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of those affected by the floods. Today, as we welcome back our team, we not only express our gratitude, but also celebrate the indomitable spirit and resilience that define the very essence of New York City.”

“Our NYPD Urban Search and Rescue responders were proud to aid the people of Vermont during their time of great need,” said Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “Together with their FDNY and NYCEM partners, our officers worked night and day to share their expertise and give everything they could toward that state’s continuing recovery. Today, we welcome them home to New York City with renewed respect for their capabilities and a profound gratitude for their selfless public service, wherever and whenever called.”

“Our FDNY US&R members are part of the valuable team that worked tirelessly helping in search and rescue in Vermont,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “This elite team, as well as that from the NYPD, is highly trained to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice. As they have many times before, their visit to Vermont placed them in dangerous and unstable environments, and they conducted critical work in search and rescue, and in recovery. We are proud of the work they did, and know they would go again whenever and wherever needed.”

New York Task Force 1 specializes in urban search and rescue, disaster recovery, and emergency triage and medicine. The 46-member team, along with two canines, was a Type 3 Task Force composed of 22 FDNY members, 23 NYPD members and one NYC Emergency Department member. The team deployed with a number of capabilities including in-water rescue, technical search, canine search, a medical team and logistics/base of operations. This deployment involved a great deal of wide area and canine searches, and the collection of geospatial data documenting damage and those sheltering in place from the devastating impacts from the flooding in Vermont.

The FEMA Urban Search and Rescue program originated as a response system for natural disasters. Since the program's inception, the task forces have broadened the scope of US&R's work. Two early activations of the Urban Search and Rescue system occurred in response to Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and the 1994 Northridge Earthquake in California.

FEMA US&R teams also activated in response to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. New York Task Force 1 deployments include Hurricanes Ike and Gustav in 2008, the Haiti earthquake and Hurricane Earl in 2010, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, in 2017, Hurricane Florence in 2018, Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Hurricanes Henri, Ida and the Surfside Building Collapse in 2021. NY TF1 is one of 28 FEMA urban search and rescue task forces across the country.

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