RESOLUTION

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING

California Task Force 3

Urban Search and Rescue

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WHEREAS, California Task Force 3 is a Menlo Park-based urban search and rescue unit, a component of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District; and

WHEREAS, in August 2005, CA-TF3 received activation orders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in anticipation of Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall two days later in Louisiana and Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, over the following week, CA-TF3 deployed more than 100 personnel and maintained a sustained presence in Louisiana for approximately five weeks, with the last team member returning to the Bay Area on Sept. 30, 2005; and

WHEREAS, during its time in the Gulf Coast, CA-TF3 worked closely with dozens of local, state and federal response teams, including military units, and was involved in rescuing 792 people, locating 26 fatalities and searching more than 2,700 homes, multi-story apartment complexes, senior-care facilities and one hospital; and

WHEREAS, despite suffering numerous injuries, infections and other illnesses related to exhaustion, field conditions and exposure to polluted floodwaters, CA-TF3 met its duty, completed its mission and exemplified the best of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District and all of San Mateo County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County recognizes and commends California Task Force 3 Urban Search and Rescue for its actions in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and hereby extends sincere wishes for continued excellence.

Dated: FEBRUARY 12, 2006

SUPERVISORS:

JERRY HILL, PRESIDENT

MARK CHURCH

RICHARD S. GORDON

ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors