Urban Search and Rescue
Two members of Local 3786 are members of the New Jersey Task Force 1, Urban Search and Rescue team. Captain Jason Palmer, and Firefighter Erik Eitel have been members of NJ-TF 1 since 2000.
NJ-TF 1 is a specialized rescue team made up of over 200 members. The primary mission of NJ-TF 1 is to provide advanced technical search and rescue capabilities to victims trapped or entombed in structurally collapsed buildings.
Captain Palmer is a Logistics Manager who is responsible for organizing, maintaining and deploying the tools, equipment and apparatus of the team. The Logistics Team Manager is responsible for managing the Logistics function of the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force and supervising the Task Force Logistics Specialist, Communications Specialist, Support Specialist, and other personnel as assigned. The Logistics Team Manager reports directly to the Task Force Leader.
Description of Duties
The Logistics Team Manager is responsible for:
All duties and responsibilities of the Logistics Specialist plus:
Completion of all Task Force Transportation documents (cargo manifests, shipping declarations, bills of lading, etc.)
Coordinating, managing, and supervising all logistical activities.
Ensuring that all assigned personnel are kept informed of status changes.
Maintaining accurate and timely records and reports.
Preparing performance evaluations (FEMA Form 90-106) for assigned personnel.
Ensuring accountability, maintenance, and repairs for all task force equipment.
Provide for Operation and Maintenance for all facilities and associated equipment.
Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.
Coordinate with IST Logistics Section on task force issues.
Management of task force transportation fleet.
Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned.
Firefighter Eitel is a Rescue Specialist. The Rescue Specialist is responsible for performing the rescue function of the Task Force incident operation. The Rescue Specialist reports directly to a Rescue Squad Officer.
Description of Duties
The Rescue Specialist is responsible for:
Implementing technical skills and operating equipment necessary for completing the rescue portion of the action plan.
- Performing rescue operations under the direct supervision of a Rescue Squad Officer and providing periodic progress reports as needed.
- Applying appropriate US&R tactics and techniques such as rope rescue operations, confined space rescue, shoring and stabilization, breaching, trench rescue, heavy rigging, heavy lifting operations, victim packaging, and extrication.
- The safe and effective operation and routine field maintenance of rescue tools and equipment.
- Adhering to all safety procedures.
- Accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs for all issued equipment.
- Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned during a mission.
Since they have been members of NJ-TF 1, Captain Palmer and Firefighter Eitel have responded to several disaster emergencies:
-May 2007: Newton, NJ building collapse
-August 2005: New Orleans, LA Hurricane Katrina
-April 2005: Eatontown, NJ Petco pet store explosion and collapse
-October 2003: Atlantic City, NJ parking structure collapse
-September 2001: New York City, NY World Trade Center
