December 19, 2008 - Fire Chief Meets with Governor Jindal to Discuss State Urban Search and Rescue Team

Meeting on December 22, 2008

Shreveport Fire Chief Brian Crawford along with the top chiefs of Baton Rouge and New Orleans will be meeting with Governor Bobby Jindal Monday, December 22 at the Governor's Mansion to discuss plans for a state Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. Original plans were outlined for fielding a state team following the devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. After those storms, several USAR teams were brought in from other states, including Phoenix, Tennessee, Texas, and Maryland to assist in the rescue of victims of collapsed structures. The plan was put on hold at the end of Governor Blanco's administration due to funding issues but now, after hurricane's Gustav and Ike, Governor Jindal and the Director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security Mark Cooper are ready to seriously pursue getting a team on-line.

The initial proposal appears to have what are called Type-3 USAR teams and equipment staged in the big three cities of the state prepared to respond to local and regional emergencies and disasters. In the event of a statewide disaster, the three teams would combine and form a large Type-1 USAR team. The plan for implementation of the teams and funding from the state legislature for necessary equipment, training and reimbursement will be the focus of the discussion.