Wisconsin Task Force 1 assists in search efforts in Texas

MADISON, Wis. — Members of Wisconsin’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, known as Wisconsin Task Force 1 (WI-TF1), are currently on their way to Texas to assist with search efforts following devastating flooding in portions of the state.

“Wisconsin Task Force 1 brings together individuals from across the state with specialized training and capabilities to support not only our own communities, but also communities experiencing emergencies throughout the country,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “We are a more resilient nation when states support one another during emergencies. Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by this terrible disaster.”

Five members of WI-TF1 as well as three K9s left Wisconsin Tuesday morning from the Regional All-Climate Training (REACT) Center located at Volk Field in Camp Douglas. The team also brought specialized equipment to assist with search efforts, including a utility all-terrain vehicle and medical supplies.

The task force members are expected to arrive in the Lone Star State on Wednesday. The Texas Division of Emergency Management made the request through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a nationwide mutual aid system. They requested WI-TF1 for 14 days, but the request may be shortened or lengthened based on need.

WI-TF1 includes members from fire departments across the state and limited term employees of the REACT Center. The members that were deployed were from the REACT Center and the Green Bay, Janesville, and Menomonie fire departments.

WI-TF1 is a resource of Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs. The task force is based out of the REACT Center.

You can follow the WI-TF1 mission in Texas on Wisconsin Emergency Management’s social media channels: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinEmergencyManagement ),Instagram (www.instagram.com/wisconsinemergencymanagement), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/wisconsinemergencymanagement)