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The following is a brief informational history about CO-TF1 and its mission:
- CO-TF1 is one of 28 US&R Task Forces nationwide under the National Department of Homeland Security (FEMA), National Urban Search & Rescue Response System.
- CO-TF1's primary mission is Urban Search & Rescue Operations for local, state, and national disasters. CO-TF1 is also equipped and trained to handle weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents encountered during these operations.
- CO-TF1 personnel responded to the Kansas Greensburg Tornado 2007, Ernesto 2006, Hurricane Katrina 2005, Hurricane Rita 2005, Hurricane Ophelia 2005, World Trade Center 9/11, the Oklahoma City Bombing 1998, the Space Shuttle Incident 2003, Hurricane Isabel 2004, Hurricane Charley 2004, Hurricane Frances 2004, and, locally, to the Ft. Collins Floods in 1997.
- CO-TF1 can deploy with 70 personnel, Type I Task Force, or 28 personnel, Type III, Light Task Force. The task force is capable of deploying with highly trained personnel divided into the following groups – Task Force Leader, Safety, Search, Rescue, Plans, HazMat/WMD, Logistics, and Medical.
- CO-TF1 is designed to respond to a disaster area without impacting the local resources (i.e., being able to support itself for up to 72-hours of round-the-clock rescue operations without resupply, including food, shelter, and hygiene.)
- CO-TF1 must be able to deploy within a 4-hours by ground and six-hours by air. And also be prepared to be deployed for up to 10 days.
- The CO-TF1 organization started in Colorado in 1992. The US&R program started in the late 1980s nationally.
- Personnel are volunteers from area Fire Departments, Police Departments, other Emergency Services, and the civilian sector (e.g., doctors, structural engineers, and canine search handlers).
- West Metro Fire Protection District is the Sponsoring Agency for CO-TF1.
- Participating Departments include Arvada Fire, Aurora Fire, Cunningham Fire, Denver Fire, Fort Carson Fire, Littleton Fire, Longmont Fire, Parker Fire, Poudre Fire Authority, South Metro Fire, and Westminster Fire.
- CO-TF1 has over 100,000 pounds of equipment in over 450+ containers. This equipment includes everything from High Tech Search & Rescue gear to Logistical support equipment and can be loaded for deployment by ground transport on two semi tractor-trailers and three box trucks as well as for deployment by Air – multiple Air Frames.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides the main funding for CO-TF1.
- DHS/FEMA is currently providing funding for equipment, training, equipment storage, and management staff. The management staff consists of the Program Manager, a Logistics (Cache) Manager, a Training Manager, and a Grant Manager.
- Funding also comes from local agencies in personnel hours for management, training, and equipment maintenance.
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