Q: How do I join the Task Force? 

A: Tennessee Task Force 1 opens its application period every January to fill current vacancies. Interested individuals should contact us during this time. Please note: Task Force members must be able to gather at the US&R warehouse within four hours of notification.

Q: Can I call Tennessee Task Force One to help me or my neighbors?

A: Please call 911 if you have an emergency. TNTF1 is not able respond directly. A federal declaration is required for the team to respond. We then assist the state or local authorities of the communities they serve.

Q: There is a disaster in my area. Why isn't Tennessee Task Force One coming to help?

A: When an incident exceeds the abilities of the local resources available, authorities may request state or federal assistance. A decision on which and when any of the 28 federal US&R teams is activated is based on many factors. 

Q: What kind of disasters does TNTF1 respond to?

A: TNTF1 is fully trained and equipped to respond to natural, technological, and human-caused disasters. Historically, the task force has deployed to building collapses, domestic terrorist incidents, nationally-significant events, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and wildfires.

Q: Who do I contact to interview a member of the team?

A: Please reach out to our Public Information Officer, Qwanesha Ward @ (901) 426-0972 (phone or text) or email @ qwanesha.ward@memphistn.gov. Be sure to include your contact information and what organization you represent. If you are reaching out during an active deployment, please do not contact individual members of the Task Force. Our PIO will connect you with the appropriate personnel.