"Task Force One" sent to Louisiana

WEST TRENTON – Acting Governor Richard Codey signed an executive order Sunday deploying 35 New Jersey State Police personnel from New Jersey Task Force One, the state’s multi-purpose search and rescue team, to Louisiana, to assist communities affected by hurricane Gustav.
The state Office of Emergency Management, led by State Police Superintendent Rick Fuentes and Major Jerome Hatfield, is organizing all personnel and resources related to the mission. All deployments are being made under the provisions of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) mutual aid agreement between the states.
“Americans have always been there for one another. After 9/11, help came to New Jersey from all over the country. During Katrina we were able to return the favor and send New Jersey resources to Louisiana. Today we head back to help Louisiana deal with the after effects and severe destruction of Hurricane Gustav,” Codey said. “These individuals who are deploying today are meeting a desperate public service. They are a display of New Jersey at its best and I thank all of them for their hard work and generosity.”
The 35-member team from New Jersey Task Force One will drive in a convoy an estimated 22 hours to Louisiana.

The deployment includes:
· Two New Jersey Task Force One Urban Search and Rescue Teams (including the team from Kearny) skilled in swift water rescue
· Inflatable Zodiac Boats
· Flat bottom Boats

Additional administrative personnel will also accompany the team to work in Louisiana’s Emergency Operations Center in a support capacity. The New Jersey Task Force One Swift Water Rescue Team is a dynamic full contingent highly trained and skilled in conducting water rescues highly challenging environments with the ability to be self sufficient up to 72 hours.
The governor’s office and the state Office of Emergency Management, strongly advise New Jersey first responders and other personnel not to depart for the states hit by hurricane Gustav unless those personnel are officially mobilized by the State of New Jersey. Going into a disaster area unassigned can often hinder rescue and recovery efforts, rather than help.
"New Jersey's thousands of first responders and rescue personnel are extremely dedicated, and we know many are eager to rush down to the Gulf Coast to help those communities recover," Codey said. "We commend them for their willingness to help. But unless and until they are officially requested those personnel should remain where they are."
If Louisiana does request additional help from New Jersey via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, the Office of Emergency Management will send those responders over in a uniformed and coordinated manner.