They left local heroes – but they came back international lifesavers.
At a ceremony on Tuesday, January 26, Mayor Michael Bloomberg recognized the members of New York Task Force One for their life-saving work in Haiti. The task force is the city’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-sponsored Urban Search and Rescue Team, composed of specially trained personnel from the New York City Fire and Police Departments.
The mayor, joined by, among others, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano, awarded each team member a certificate of recognition to thank them for their service.
“We are glad to have the members of our Urban Search and Rescue Team, who worked on the frontlines of the global rescue effort in Haiti, back home, safe and sound,” said Bloomberg. “There’s an awful lot of work ahead in Haiti, and an awful lot of mourning, but today, we thought it was important to recognize the members of Task Force One, who’ve made us proud once again.”
The team members conducted six rescues, including one within hours of arriving in Haiti. The team is trained in the use of specialized equipment including listening devices that can detect a heartbeat, motion detection devices that can detect the smallest movements, and thermal imaging cameras and search cameras for use in confined spaces. Eighty members of New York Task Force One, trained to respond to catastrophic events involving the collapse of heavy steel and concrete, spent one week in Haiti.
“The remarkable photo of young Kiki, with arms outstretched, pulled from the rubble of Port-au-Prince, captured the hope that New York’s Finest and Bravest gave Haiti and the world,” said Kelly. “New York’s team delivered life at the end of the tunnel.”
The certificate presented to each team member reads:
“For your selfless and heroic service in Haiti to those affected by the terrible earthquake. In dedicating your time, training, and skill to New York Task Force One, and in committing yourself to help wherever tragedy strikes, you truly represent the very best of our city’s spirit of compassion and community. On behalf of all New Yorkers, we are grateful for your safe return and thank you for a job well done.”
Under the direction of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), six Urban Search and Rescue Teams from the United States were deployed to Haiti. These teams were part of an international force of more than 40 search and rescue teams from around the world comprised of over 1,700 first responders. The international force has rescued 132 individuals, with 47 of these rescues being made by U.S. Search and Rescue Teams.
