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With Alabama's frequent hurricane encounters,
and the images of September 11th
fresh in everyone's mind, it was determined
that a US&R team was needed in the Gulf
Coast Region. To meet this need, Alabama Task
Force 1 team was formed in October of 2001.
It provided Alabama with a much needed
US&R team, and Mobile's location on the
Central Gulf Coast provides an ideal location
that ensures a quick response to any
emergency situation that may arise in this
area. Alabama Task Force 1 is sponsored by
the Mobile Fire Department, and the State of
Alabama. Alabama Task Force 1 is
approximately 70% staffed, and 100%
deployable. The Alabama Task Force 1 team is
comprised of Search and Rescue Specialist,
K-9 Teams, Structural and Mechanical
Engineers, Trauma Doctors and Nurses,
Equipment Operators, Logistic Specialist, and
other Command and Support personnel.
Alabama Task Force 1 can be deployed to all
50 states, and can respond to a number of
emergencies, such as: Structural Collapse,
Swift Water Rescue, Trench Rescue, Rope
Rescue, Confined Space, Hazardous Material,
and Weapons of Mass Destruction. Alabama Task
Force 1 can be on the location of an
emergency within hours, and can self sustain
themselves through out the deployment.
Deployment orders for the team can come from
a number of offices and agencies, including
the Governor of Alabama, the Alabama EMA
office, FEMA, as well as requests from other
state and local agencies. Currently the
Alabama Task Force 1 team is a state US&R
team, but we are working toward becoming a
federal certified US&R team.
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