[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 40 (Thursday, March 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E412-E413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE CITY OF MIAMI DEPARTMENT OF FIRE RESCUE'S URBAN SEARCH AND 
                              RESCUE TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 18, 2010

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to thank and 
recognize the City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue's Urban Search 
and Rescue Team, Florida Task Force 2 (``USAR Team''), for their 
humanitarian efforts during the Haiti earthquake crisis. I commend them 
for their immediate response to those affected by the earthquake that 
struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.
  The City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue's Urban Search and Rescue 
Team was deployed to Haiti after the devastating earthquake hit the 
island approximately 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince. The USAR 
Team conducted successful search and rescue operations while in Haiti.
  The USAR Team is capable of conducting the following type of 
operations: conducting physical search and rescue operations in 
damaged/collapsed structures, flooded areas, and transportation 
accident scenes; providing emergency medical care at disaster sites for 
trapped victims; carrying out reconnaissance duties to assess damage 
and determine needs in order to provide feedback to all agencies 
involved; providing disaster communication support using state of the 
art satellite systems; conducting hazardous materials surveys/
evaluations of affected areas; and assisting in stabilizing damaged 
structures, including sorting and cribbing operations.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding and honoring the City of 
Miami Department of Fire Rescue's Urban Search and Rescue Team, Florida 
Task Force 2 (``USAR Team'') for their unyielding determination and 
work as first responders to victims of disasters from all hazards. The 
work of the USAR Team is an important part of South Florida's 
contribution to the recovery of Haiti. I offer my sincere gratitude for 
their selfless dedication to this cause.

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