
About NY-TF1

New York Task Force One (NY-TF1) is part of FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System, a network of 28 elite task forces.
NY-TF1 is staffed by highly trained members of FDNY Special Operations and NYPD Emergency Service Unit, and coordinated by NYC Emergency Management. NY-TF1 stands ready to respond to emergencies across the nation.
For over 30 years, NY-TF1 has responded to some of the nation’s most challenging disasters, including domestic terrorist incidents, tornadoes, floods, mudslides, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Keep scrolling for a deeper look at the task force’s deployment history.
The events of September 11, 2001, are deeply woven into NY-TF1’s legacy. On that day, 51 courageous team members made the ultimate sacrifice. Learn more about our heroes and the National US&R System’s response at Ground Zero by visiting the 9/11 Commemoration tab.
NY-TF1 remains steadfast in our dedication to the National US&R mission, honoring our legacy of courage, commitment, and collaboration along the way.

Notable Deployments & Events

2024 – FEMA Canine Evaluation
Forty Search Canine Teams from throughout the Urban Search & Rescue System were certified at the 2024 FEMA Canine Evaluation.

2024 – Hurricane Helene
NY-TF1 conducted extensive search and rescue operations on their FEMA mission to North Carolina in response to Hurricane Helene.

2023 – Hawaii Wildfire
NY-TF1 Incident Support Team members and Canine Search Teams deployed to support search efforts in the aftermath of the Hawaii Wildfire.

2023 – VT Flooding
A Type III Task Force performed water rescues and evacuations in central Vermont. Many structures in Montpelier and Barre suffered major damage as a result of the Winooski River flooding.

2022 – Brooklyn Tunnel Exercise
NY-TF1, one of US&R’s tunnel rescue teams, conducted extensive tunnel rescue operations while on Dräger BG 4 rebreathers. Members conducted extended operations in a simulated tunnel collapse environment.

2022 – Hurricane Ian
NY-TF1 performed extensive search operations in Ft. Myers Beach, which was one of the hardest hit areas by Hurricane Ian. Many structures suffered major damage and were made difficult to search as a result of devastating storm surge and wind damage.

2021 – Hurricane Ida
NY-TF1 performed extensive search & rescue, reconnaissance and damage assessments operations over vast areas of Louisiana that were made difficult to reach as a result of flooding and severe wind damage from Hurricane Ida.

2021 – Surfside Building Collapse
NY-TF1 Incident Support Team members and Canine Search Teams deployed to support search efforts in the aftermath of the Surfside Building Collapse.

2019 – Randall’s Island Tunnel Exercise
NY-TF1’s 2019 full-scale exercise simulated subway tunnel collapse that required the utilization of rebreather technology.

2018 – Hurricane Florence
NY-TF1 deployed a Type I Task Force and Water Rescue Mission Ready Package to conduct US&R operations in communities of North Carolina impacted by Florence.

2017 – Hurricane Maria
NY-TF1 was deployed to Puerto Rico, where they rescued residents who had been isolated due to storm damage, including areas cut off by downed bridges.

2016 – Hurricane Matthew
NY-TF1 deployed to North Carolina in response to Hurricane Matthew, conducting extensive searches including a nighttime swiftwater rescue of residents trapped in a partially submerged vehicle.

2010 – Haiti Earthquake
A Type I Task Force deployed to Haiti in response to the 2010 Earthquake. The task force conducted extensive structural collapse search and rescue operations.

2005 – Hurricane Katrina
NY-TF1 deployed to Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

1995 – Oklahoma City Bombing
NY-TF1 members responded to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and conducted extensive recovery operations.