A highly trained rescue team equipped to save lives from natural disasters is hunkered down in Skagit County, ready to jump into action and floods, high wind and landslides threatens the region. “It’s really terrible to see what a natural disaster can do to people, large numbers of people. It’s really heartbreaking,” said Brett Collett, a leader with Washington Task Force 1. The Pierce County-based group is a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team and was activated by the Washington State Military Department and Emergency Management Division to participate in search and rescue missions.
“This is exactly why we do this, this is exactly why these members are part of this team,” said Collett. “The power of our team to go help Washington state is a great privilege for us. We’re honored to be in this position, it means a lot to be called to help.” The team is often deployed to natural disasters throughout the country and was last activated in its home state after the Oso landslide in 2014.
