New Jersey Search & Rescue Team Approved for Federal Role

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Chris Smith and Frank LoBiondo announced on June 3 that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Urban Search & Rescue Strategic Group has approved New Jersey Task Force One (NJ-TF1) to enter the National Urban Search & Rescue System.
“Today, FEMA gave the final—and long overdue–approval for NJ-TF1 to join the National US&R System,” said Smith, whose district includes the NJ-TF1 Training Facility in Lakehurst. “The Task Force has repeatedly proven that they are a key component of our state and our nation’s emergency preparedness—including and especially with their response to the horrific attacks on 9/11 and in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. This designation will further enhance their ability to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.”
“FEMA has now reaffirmed what we’ve known in South Jersey for a long time: The professionals of NJ-TF1 are among the best urban search & rescue personnel our country has to offer. Their skills have been put to the test and exceeded national standards, from the Tropicana parking garage collapse to Hurricane Sandy and countless emergencies. It has long been clear that NJ-TF1 is an outstanding unit representing the best of what New Jersey has to offer. I applaud Chief Jim Riley and his team for their continuing hard work,” said LoBiondo.
The New Jersey delegation pushed FEMA to make this designation since the NJ TF1 was one of the first teams in New York City on September 11th to respond to the horrific attacks. Among other efforts, since 2002 Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen has taken a lead and sponsored legislation—supported by the majority of the delegation—to direct FEMA to expand the number of teams participating in the program and designate New Jersey’s Task Force 1 as a participant.
NJ TF1 provides advanced, technical search and rescue capabilities in structurally collapsed buildings and natural disasters. In addition to the 9/11 attacks, the Task Force played an important role in the Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy response.
New Jersey now joins 27 other teams that are included in the National Urban Search and Rescue System.