09/11/2026
Following the events of September 11, 2001, Texas A&M Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) was activated by FEMA and placed on alert. On September 16, the team deployed from Texas to New Jersey, arriving at Ground Zero, where members immediately began around-the-clock search and rescue operations.
Working in rotating 12-hour shifts, TX-TF1 members spent 216 continuous hours over 9 days searching the debris field. When a massive section of unstable steel threatened rescue efforts, our team members volunteered for the dangerous task of cutting and removing it. After hours of careful cutting with torches, the massive piece of steel was finally lifted free by a large crane, while union and rescue workers cheered us on!
On September 27, the team returned home safely after completing its first federal deployment as a FEMA task force. Today, we honor the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of the responders who answered the call during one of our nation's darkest moments.
We remember the more than 70 TX-TF1 members who deployed to Ground Zero on September 2001. We also honor the memory of the five members of our Task Force who are no longer with us. Their courage, service, and sacrifice will always be a part of our story. We will never forget them, and we will never forget that day.
