VA-TF1 / USA-1 - Urban Search and Rescue

#HappeningNow first responders with Virginia Task Force 1 @VATF1 have returned home after spending more than 20 days helping with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina and Florida:

Our search canines supporting the response to the Texas floods continue to work diligently in their assigned area. Each day they get a quick med check by a veterinarian and a well-deserved bath. @fema @ffxfirerescue

Activated: @fema has activated VA-TF1 to support the response to the Texas floods. Our team is sending three canines and a search manager and will depart this evening. @ffxfirerescue

Congrats to team members who successfully completed their K9 Certification Examination: Jennifer Haskin & K9 Stella – Live Find recert Kristi Bartlett & K9 Zill – Live Find new team Trisha Danula & K9 Otso – HR detection new team Thank you for your hard work! @ffxfirerescue

Last night, our 45 team members and 2 canines returned home to waiting family members after assisting Frankfurt, Kentucky with swift water rescue resources and damage reconnaissance. We are honored to be able to serve whenever and wherever the need arises. @ffxfirerescue

VA-TF1 has been demobilized from the Kentucky Flood response and is returning home this evening, no earlier than 2000 hours. @ffxfirerescue

Over the last several days, our team has worked in coordination with local authorities to conduct searches in and around the flooded areas of central Kentucky. @fema @ffxfirerescue

The team has been relocated to a staging area in Central Tennessee.

VA-TF1 has been activated as a Type III urban search and rescue team by @fema to stage in place for the storms affecting the Central US. The team will remain in Virginia until requested. @ffxfirerescue

Congrats to two more of our canine handlers! Christopher Holmes with Margo and Tiffany Perez with Bunker both certified last week at New York Task Force One's canine training facility! Awesome job! @ffxfirerescue

To those affected by #HurricaneHelene: We carry the memories of hope, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit you have shown through this difficult time. We have seen firsthand the power of community and are confident that this hope will continue to grow as you rebuild and heal.

Virginia Task Force 1 is home from its 22 day hurricane search and rescue deployment ⁦@WTOP⁩

VA-TF1 has been demobilized by @fema after supporting the local response in Florida & North Carolina for Hurricane Helene. The team is expected to return home this evening no earlier than 1930. @ffxfirerescue

In conjunction with @MassTaskforce1, VA-TF1 members continued their search and rescue efforts by performing water operations in the Asheville, NC area affected by #HurricaneHelene. @fema @ffxfirerescue