Minnesota Task Force 1 Deploys to Texas for Flood Response
TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA - According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, a small but highly trained team from Minnesota Task Force 1 (MN-TF1) has been deployed to Texas to aid in search and rescue operations following catastrophic flooding that devastated parts of central Texas last week. The deployment includes five rescuers and two specialized K-9 search dogs who are now on the ground, assisting in ongoing emergency efforts.
The team, which is trained and equipped for 24-hour operations in extreme conditions and disaster zones with limited infrastructure, has been assigned to the Travis County Incident Command, located northwest of Austin. Their first mission began around 6:00 AM on Monday, July 14, as MN-TF1 joined the effort to locate individuals still missing after days of intense rainfall and flash flooding.
Map of Travis County, Texas.
Among the deployed personnel is Officer Brian Plantz of the Apple Valley Police Department, according to the Apple Valley Police Department in a post on Facebook. Officer Plantz serves as a member of both the Dakota County Special Operations Team and MN-TF1. The Apple Valley Police Department has expressed support and well wishes for his safety and the success of the mission.
This deployment underscores Minnesota Task Force 1’s vital role in national disaster response, providing specialized support when local and state resources are stretched beyond capacity. Their assignment in Texas reflects both the seriousness of the flooding and the critical need for experienced urban search and rescue personnel.
Images provided by the Minnesota Task Force 1, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and Minnesota State Fire Marshall/Facebook
Written by: Will Wight
