ToddP
09-18-2001, 05:21 AM
A friend of the family is part of the Pennsylvania Task Force One. ###A specialized rescue and response unit that was called to the WTC collapse Tuesday morning.
If you get the chance to e-mail (PATASKFORCE1@aol.com ) this PA group in support of their efforts, please do so. Sounds like support from home helps keep there efforts going.
Thanks,
ToddP
Here is an email from them.
Subject: ###UPDATE FROM GROUND ZERO
Hello Family and Friends,
I am attempting to send a quick update as time allows. This will be basically
to the point so please bare with me.
1st and most importantly we are still hanging strong. The team members are
obviously "spent" as far as emotions and spirits, but are not letting it come
out. We are monitoring medically everyone and so far there have been only 2
injuries requiring hospitalization. These 2 team members had their families
notified IMMEDIATELY as we would do for anyone involved. These 2 men were not
injured seriously, and were taken in more so for evaluation reasons just to
be sure. Our 1st goal is to make sure our men and women of the team are well
taken care of and return to you safely.
As far as the Support Bulletin Board I started...It was an idea just to see
if response emails would make any difference and YOU people have made a HUGE
difference. I have a 4 foot by 8 foot board FULL already thanks to all of
your responses. Keep them coming in...your support is keeping us going
strong!!! I have men and women looking at the board with comments and tears
saying "I didn't think I would have gotten an email, this is great!"
As far as where we are with our rescue efforts, there was a rescuer yesterday
(NOT FROM THE PA TEAM) that did fall into a void space and out of sight.
Reports came in stating that OUR PA K-9 section of our team found this
rescuer and rescue efforts brought him out and we has able to walk away from
the scene. This was a GREAT lift in spirits for the troops.
Just again when you think everything is down and out, something happens to
renew the adrenaline, determination and hopes. We have information today that
there may be a positive indication of a location of people still alive in a
buried elevator. We are concentrating obviously on that report. Keep our
fingers crossed and keep the prayers going.
Just FYI - As far as the news and reports of additional buildings falling,
there are many buildings surrounding the area they are very unstable, but
aren't falling. We have Structural Specialist in and around these buildings
for our protection and as soon as anything moves, sways or buckles, we
evacuate the area so not to take any chances what so ever.
The weather here is high 50's and raining and we are continuing to watch the
weather as it plays a big part with our efforts.
Today we (FEMA IST COMMAND) will be visited and meet with President Bush to
evaluate the situation further.
Again we are very tired running a continuos rescue mission on 12 hour shifts
non stop, but you people know how we are....the more tired we get, the harder
we will fight........ we DON'T give up!!!
That's about all the time I have to write, I will try to keep you informed as
much as time allows. Please keep the victims, their families, our team
members and all rescuers along with America as a whole in your prayers.
We will get through this !!!!!!!!
Thank You keep the support coming in and God Bless !!!!
Andrew (Andy) Henry
USAR PA-TF1
Tech Info Specialist
If you get the chance to e-mail (PATASKFORCE1@aol.com ) this PA group in support of their efforts, please do so. Sounds like support from home helps keep there efforts going.
Thanks,
ToddP
Here is an email from them.
Subject: ###UPDATE FROM GROUND ZERO
Hello Family and Friends,
I am attempting to send a quick update as time allows. This will be basically
to the point so please bare with me.
1st and most importantly we are still hanging strong. The team members are
obviously "spent" as far as emotions and spirits, but are not letting it come
out. We are monitoring medically everyone and so far there have been only 2
injuries requiring hospitalization. These 2 team members had their families
notified IMMEDIATELY as we would do for anyone involved. These 2 men were not
injured seriously, and were taken in more so for evaluation reasons just to
be sure. Our 1st goal is to make sure our men and women of the team are well
taken care of and return to you safely.
As far as the Support Bulletin Board I started...It was an idea just to see
if response emails would make any difference and YOU people have made a HUGE
difference. I have a 4 foot by 8 foot board FULL already thanks to all of
your responses. Keep them coming in...your support is keeping us going
strong!!! I have men and women looking at the board with comments and tears
saying "I didn't think I would have gotten an email, this is great!"
As far as where we are with our rescue efforts, there was a rescuer yesterday
(NOT FROM THE PA TEAM) that did fall into a void space and out of sight.
Reports came in stating that OUR PA K-9 section of our team found this
rescuer and rescue efforts brought him out and we has able to walk away from
the scene. This was a GREAT lift in spirits for the troops.
Just again when you think everything is down and out, something happens to
renew the adrenaline, determination and hopes. We have information today that
there may be a positive indication of a location of people still alive in a
buried elevator. We are concentrating obviously on that report. Keep our
fingers crossed and keep the prayers going.
Just FYI - As far as the news and reports of additional buildings falling,
there are many buildings surrounding the area they are very unstable, but
aren't falling. We have Structural Specialist in and around these buildings
for our protection and as soon as anything moves, sways or buckles, we
evacuate the area so not to take any chances what so ever.
The weather here is high 50's and raining and we are continuing to watch the
weather as it plays a big part with our efforts.
Today we (FEMA IST COMMAND) will be visited and meet with President Bush to
evaluate the situation further.
Again we are very tired running a continuos rescue mission on 12 hour shifts
non stop, but you people know how we are....the more tired we get, the harder
we will fight........ we DON'T give up!!!
That's about all the time I have to write, I will try to keep you informed as
much as time allows. Please keep the victims, their families, our team
members and all rescuers along with America as a whole in your prayers.
We will get through this !!!!!!!!
Thank You keep the support coming in and God Bless !!!!
Andrew (Andy) Henry
USAR PA-TF1
Tech Info Specialist