Photo Courtesy of NYPD
The elite team left the city for Texasф early Sunday morning.
By Michael V. Cusenza
A special operations squad composed of more than 100 City Police and Fire personnel was deployed to Texas early Sunday morning to assist with rescue and recovery efforts in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Urban Search and Rescue Team New York Task Force-1, which features members trained to respond to catastrophic events, staged its equipment and resources in San Antonio.
“We are set up for all types of rescues, including swiftwater rescues. We have a compilation of tools that include boats, motors, dry suits, rescue equipment for collapsed structures, rope equipment for confined spaces, and a large compilation of Haz-Mat equipment and tools. We’re also supplied with a large, self-sufficient cache of food and supplies that make us sustainable for up to 72 hours in a row. I believe we’re ready to face any danger,” said FDNY Battalion Chief Jack Flatley, task force leader.
According to the NYPD, the convoy includes rescue equipment, boats, dry suits, and food supplies. The team will be assisting local first responders with relocating stranded people as well as emergency rescue when necessary.
“After Superstorm Sandy, so many cities stepped up to help our people,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We’ll do all we can to help those affected by this storm.”
