September 21, 2005

SEAONC Members in the Gulf Coast

Several SEAONC members are already in the hurricane-affected areas, working as Structural Specialists in FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Program. Although the majority of US&R personnel is drawn from the Fire Service, there are also team doctors, canine handlers, crane riggers and structural engineers. Among their duties, Structural Specialists provide expert opinions to the team about buildings and materials subjected to abnormal loading conditions.

The Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Committee would like to recognize and thank those members who are assisting with Hurricane Katrina search and rescue operations. The following members of SEAONC and DES are currently in the Gulf Coast as part of the US&R Program: Matti Adan, Karin Kuffel, John Osteraas, Blake Rothfus, Tom Clark and Joe Zsutty. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by all.