Rescue team at N.J.'s joint military base gets federal support

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Friday officially designated a team based at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst as a member of the U.S. National Urban Search and Rescue System.

It means federal funding for training and equipment for the team, known as New Jersey Task Force One. It was on the ground at the World Trade Center after 9/11. The team is supported by the New Jersey State Police and has members from all 21 New Jersey counties.

"The members of this team proven they are worthy of such designation," said Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th Dist.). "There is no question about it, New Jersey needs its own federally supported team.

Among the factors taken into account in making the decision were population density, possible threats and critical structures near the team's location. The N.J. team is the 28th added to the national system.

"This designation will further enhance their ability to respond to emergencies and natural disasters," said Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th Dist.), whose district includes the team's training facility.

Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd Dist.) said the team's "skills have been put to the test and exceeded national standards, from the Tropicana parking garage collapse to Hurricane Sandy and countless emergencies."

Frelinghuysen and nine other New Jersey House members introduced legislation to add the N.J. team to the federal system.

The entire congressional delegation wrote to FEMA in September urging the designation.

"New Jersey needs its own federally supported team, as our state is one of the most densely populated areas in the country," the lawmakers wrote. "This designation would enhance New Jersey's security, provide the task force with more funding for training and equipment and ensure they remain prepared in the event of an emergency."

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

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