New Rescue Unit ' Task Force One'

Friday, January 5th 2007, 9:53 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A new statewide search and rescue team called Task Force One is nearly complete and is expected to be in operation in time for tornado season starting in March.

Tulsa fire Captain RB Ellis says the team has 210 members with 105 each from the Tulsa and Oklahoma City but will work under one command structure. He says the teams will also be supported by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, doctors, engineers and dog search teams.

Ellis says in case of a disaster the closest team would deploy first with the other waiting to be called if needed.

Oklahoma City and Tulsa have received about $1.7-million since 2003 from the US Department of Homeland Security to help create Task Force One.