South Dakota Taskforce 1
The South Office of Homeland Security supports Taskforce 1, a specialized team trained to respond to hazardous materials incidents. Taskforce 1 consists of members from the Aberdeen, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Watertown fire departments.
Taskforce 1 members from all four departments train together throughout the year to ensure they work seamlessly in the event of a large hazardous materials incident within South Dakota. They stand ready to assist local first responders if an emergency event expands beyond local training or resources. The equipment, gear, and training needed for these low probability/high risk events requires regular and intensive training. Because these skills are perishable, all members go through a 3-year recertification process to keep their hazardous materials and specialized rescue skills at nationally recognized standards.
Team members are also trained in the following rescue techniques:
- Land-based search
- Structural collapse
- Swift water
- Confined space
- High angle
- Rope rescue
- Trench rescue
- Grain Bin entrapment
Training, Drills & Exercises
Training and exercising are critical to the team’s performance during a real emergency. Team members frequently gather to practice specialized rescue techniques, including moving concrete panels, installing bolt and anchor systems, and conducting other drills while being suspended in harnesses. The training scenarios mimic conditions and angles team members would encounter while attempting to rescue someone from a structural collapse, a fall off a cliff, or from a high-rise building.
Preparing for life-threatening incidents through training is the best method to ensure the state of South Dakota has high-quality, well-trained members available to respond to natural disasters and manmade terrorist threats. These training and exercise opportunities enhance the state's capability to respond effectively to any incident.
