Check out some highlights from our 2026 full scale exercise!
@ffxfirerescue
#usar #searchandrescue #k9 #workingdog #canine
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VA-TF1 / USA-01 - Urban Search and Rescue
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VA-TF1 / USA-01 - Urban Search and Rescue
@VATF1
Urban Search and Rescue Team from Fairfax County, VA - Sponsored by @ffxfirerescue - @fema for domestic and @StateDept for international responses.
- A heartfelt thank you to all of our international participants and observers at our recent full-scale exercise! Special recognition to our colleagues from Australia 🇦🇺 - we’re grateful for your commitment to mentoring us as we prepare for our 2027 reclassification.
- Last week, @LACOFD joined us for a 96-hour exercise simulating a 7.9M earthquake response - testing rescue, medical care, logistics & coordination. Interoperability & preparedness aren’t just goals. They’re a commitment we train for every day. @ffxfirerescue @USForeignAssist
- VA-TF1 / USA-01 - Urban Search and Rescue reposted
Replying to @USForeignAssistThrough these trainings and deployments with @StateDept following disasters overseas, @VATF1 & @LACOFD hone skills they can use to save American lives when disasters strike here at home.
- VA-TF1 / USA-01 - Urban Search and Rescue repostedThis week, @StateDept staff observed urban search and rescue training exercises led by @VATF1 and @LACOFD. Following disasters, the new Bureau for Disaster and Humanitarian Response can activate USAR teams from Fairfax and Los Angeles Counties to deploy worldwide within hours.
- @VATF1 regrets to announce the passing of retired #canine Ivan. Ivan deployed internationally and domestically and served for 10 years. We thank Ivan for his dedicated global service and extend our deep condolences to his family & the members of the canine section. @ffxfirerescue
- Congrats to Battalion Chief Jeff Lewis on his retirement from Fairfax County USAR & @ffxfirerescue! 28 years of service, 6 as Program Manager, 17 deployments, and a legacy that will live on in every mission and member he leaves behind. Best of luck as Fire Chief of Falmouth, MA!
- Recently, Structural Engineering specialists from our team participated with the @VaFirePrograms Special Operations Division to enhance the state curriculum on trench rescue. Another example of our international expertise working right here at home!
- VA-TF1 / USA-01 - Urban Search and Rescue reposted
Today the women and men of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department celebrated the life of Master Technician Raul Perla, who died on 3/5/26 from occupational cancer. His legacy will have a lasting impact in FCFRD & the urban search & rescue community. He will be greatly missed.
00:00 - Congratulations to #K9 Piper and handler Kat on passing the FEMA #Canine Certification Evaluation (CE) this past weekend in Miami! They excelled in this rigorous exam and add additional capacity to our outstanding canine section. @ffxfirerescue
- Replying to @VATF1He was known internationally for his work as an instructor, member of the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team, and exercise coordination. His selfless service to this team and his community will leave a lasting impact. He will be greatly missed.
- With deep sadness, @VATF1 announces the line-of-duty-death of Master Technician Raul Perla from occupational cancer. He was a 20 year member of our team, deploying to 12 disasters. He was an exceptional leader, mentor, and friend, known for his life motto, “Others Before Self”.
With deep sadness FCFRD announces the line-of-duty death of Master Technician Raul Perla on 3/5/26 from occupational cancer. MTech Perla served with FCFRD for 28 years. He retired in December 2023. He was known for his life motto, “Others Before Self”. He will be greatly missed. - Congratulations to K9 Touché + handler Tiffany, & K9 Zill + handler Dustin, on passing the FEMA Canine Certification Evaluation (CE) this past weekend in Arizona! Both handlers & dogs excelled in this rigorous exam & add capacity to our outstanding canine section. @ffxfirerescue
