“We are glad to have the members of our Urban Search & Rescue Team, who worked on the frontlines of the global rescue effort in Haiti, back home, safe and sound,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “There’s an awful lot of work ahead in Haiti, and an awful lot of mourning, but today, we thought it was important to recognize the members of Task Force One, who’ve made us proud once again.”

“The entire team deserves our gratitude and admiration for the heroic work they did in Haiti under extremely difficult circumstances, and we are enormously proud of what they accomplished on this mission,” said Commissioner Cassano. “While highly skilled and experienced in this type of dangerous work, the challenges facing them in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake were particularly daunting – yet they successfully rescued six people, including three children.”

“The remarkable photo of young Kiki, with arms outstretched, pulled from the rubble of Port-au-Prince, captured the hope that New York ’s Finest and Bravest gave Haiti and the world,” said Commissioner Kelly. “New York ’s team delivered life at the end of the tunnel.”

The team effort displayed by New York Task Force One in Haiti reminds us why we call them the Bravest and Finest,” said Commissioner Bruno. “Training together and working together has prepared this team to be effective any where they are needed, and we are proud of the heroic work they did on their first international deployment.”

The certificate presented to each team member reads:

“For your selfless and heroic service in Haiti to those affected by the terrible earthquake.  In dedicating your time, training, and skill to New York Task Force One, and in committing yourself to help wherever tragedy strikes, you truly represent the very best of our City’s spirit of compassion and community. On behalf of all New Yorkers, we are grateful for your safe return and thank you for a job well done.”   

The team members conducted six rescues, including their first rescue within hours of arriving in Haiti. The team is trained in the use of specialized equipment including listening devices that can detect a heart beat, motion detection devices that can detect the smallest movements, and thermal imaging cameras and search cameras for use in confined spaces. Eighty members of New York Task Force One, trained to respond to catastrophic events involving the collapse of heavy steel and concrete, spent one week in Haiti. New York Task Force One is managed by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).