Florida

Task Force – 3

Tampa Bay Regional Urban Search and Rescue Team

 

 

HISTORY

 

The organization of Florida Task Force Three (FL TF 3) was begun after the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing.  The original departments were: Tampa Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.  Each department selected approximately 42 individuals to begin the training.  The personnel were selected from many applicants and were chosen for their background and/or experience in the construction field or other useful abilities such as: heavy equipment operator, welder, mechanic, builder, etc.  In the beginning, the coordination between the 3 departments in order to train together was difficult; however, it was overcome with diligence and persistence.  The training was conducted at each department’s training grounds at specific times of the year.  This was done in an effort to break down the barriers between the departments and to take advantage of each training facility’s uniqueness.  The Bradenton Fire Department was added to the team and began training in 2004.

 

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