WATF1

Washington Urban Search & Rescue Task Force

•Ernest 2007 Deployment Photos

About WATF1

The Washington State Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (WATF1) was established in 1991 and was one of the first 12 task forces deemed deployable by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It's a regional team made up of approximately 38 jurisdiction and organizations in the Puget Sound region. Most task force members represent King and Pierce counties and the City of Seattle. WATF1 is one of FEMA's 28 national teams.

While WATF1 is sponsored by Pierce County's Department of Emergency Management, membership is drawn from fire departments, law enforcement, local hospitals, military, public works and canine volunteer groups. The 210-member team is prepared to any disaster at a moments notice. Past deployments include Hurricanes Ernesto, 2007; Katrina/Rita, 2005; Shuttle Columbia recovery, 2003; Pentagon/World Trade Center terrorist attacks, 2001; Atlanta Olympics, 1996; Northridge California earthquake, 1994 and Typhoon Bryan in Guam, 1992.

Sponsoring Agency Chief: Steve Bailey, Director of Pierce County Emergency Management
WATF1 Program Manager: Tom Miner
WATF1 Task Force Leaders: Dominic Marzano, Tom Thorson, Tim Pierce, Cyndia Fajardo, Robert Lomax and Thomas Richardson

More information about FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue Program: