Urban Search and Rescue Arizona Task Force 1

Urban Search and Rescue Arizona Task Force 1 or AZ-TF1 is a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force based in Phoenix, Arizona. AZ-TF1 is sponsored by the Phoenix Fire Department.

AZ-TF1 is one of six Task Forces that is Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) certified having received extensive training in responding to incidents involving chemical, biological or radiological agents.

AZ-TF1 is the only Task Force allowed to be accompanied by armed police officers. The Task Force was suspended during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and sent home because of a violation of rules allowing a Task Force to carry firearms. Upon review, it was determined that all of the Phoenix Police Department has been cross-certified as United States Marshals. In addition, a FEMA Division Supervisor authorized the Task Force to bring the Marshals with them to provide protection from armed looters, persons wearing stolen police uniforms and alligators. FEMA lifted the suspension and currently allows the armed Phoenix officers to accompany the Task Force to provide protection as long as the officers wear a U.S. Marhals' uniform. The policy is under review for possible expansion to the other FEMA Task Forces.

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