Tennessee Task Force One: Urban Search & Rescue

Congratulations, Chief Colin Burress!

On behalf of Tennessee Task Force 1, we would like to congratulate Chief Colin Burress on his recent promotion to Fire Chief of the Memphis Fire Department.

Chief Burress is a leader, a mentor, and a teammate who has dedicated himself to excellence, innovation, and service above all else. He has had a lasting impact on our task force and the world of emergency response. His leadership will undoubtedly help guide the Memphis Fire Department to new heights as we continue to strengthen the bonds of our mission to protect and serve our community.

Congratulations, Chief!

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Burress has been with Memphis Fire Department for nearly 30 years and most recently served as the assistant chief. is.gd/ygEa4g

Our team recently had the privilege of hosting a Planning Team Training course led by Jarvis "Bubba" Willis from CA-TF6 and Ashley Engler from NE-TF1.

The instruction and expertise they brought to the class were exceptional and will greatly enhance our team’s capabilities in planning and coordination during incidents.

We were honored to train alongside members from TN-TF2, CO-TF1, NY-TF1, and WA-TF1, representing Urban Search and Rescue teams from across the country.

A sincere thank you to the instructors and all participants for their professionalism and dedication.

In Memory of William “Chip” Sneed Jr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William “Chip” Sneed Jr.

Chip was a founding member of Tennessee Task Force 1 and a cornerstone of its history and success. His leadership, dedication, and vision helped shape the very foundation of our task force. Through his mentorship, he influenced the careers of countless members, not only within TN-TF1 but across the entire Urban Search and Rescue system.

In addition to his impact on TN-TF1, Chip was a founding father of the Memphis Fire Department’s Special Operations. Over the course of 44 years of dedicated service with the Memphis Fire Department, Chip exemplified professionalism, courage, and leadership.

Chip was more than a leader, he was a teacher, mentor, and friend to so many. His passion for developing others and his belief in building leaders within the fire service and US&R community left a legacy that continues to strengthen our profession. Generations of firefighters, rescuers, and officers have been shaped by his guidance, wisdom, and example. His influence reaches far beyond Memphis or Tennessee, it extends across the nation through those he trained, mentored, and inspired to serve with integrity and excellence.

TN-TF1 would not be what it is today without Chip’s commitment and passion for excellence. His legacy will live on through the people he trained, the standards he set, and the countless lives he touched.

Chip will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to serve alongside him.

Respectfully,
Tennessee Task Force 1

Tennessee first responders are in Kerr County, Texas, to assist local officials in the ongoing search and rescue operations following severe flooding to the region. The Memphis Fire Department CST-HRD team of expert handlers and specialized search dogs left for Texas on Monday, July 7, for a 14-day mission in emergency support.

TEMA is coordinating Tennessee’s deployments through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation’s state-to-state mutual aid system.

Read more: https://www.tn.gov/tema/news/2025/7/8/tennessee-deploys-team-to-support-texas-flooding-through-emac.html

Had a great time hosting a FEMA US&R Logistics Specialist course this week here at Tennessee Task Force One! Awesome collaboration and learning with students from state and federal Task Forces across the country. Huge thanks to the expert instructors for sharing their real-world experience and guidance. At the heart of every Task Force is logistics, critical to both preparedness and response. Without it, teams wouldn’t be able to operate. Always inspiring to see the dedication and teamwork in this community.

TN-TF1 is hosting a Structural Collapse Specialist course. The class is comprised of 61 students from 11 FEMA, State, and Local USAR Teams. This intensive 80-hour class teaches advanced techniques in building wall and floor stabilization, as well as advanced methods for breaking, breaching, and burning materials commonly found in the structural collapse environment.

Tennessee Task Force 1 Deployment Update

Tennessee Task Force 1 is deploying as a Type 4 US&R Team with search & rescue canine teams in response to a mutual aid request to the areas damaged by a tornado in Selmer, Tennessee. The deployment comes following recent severe weather in the region.

Please keep all those affected in your thoughts. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Tennessee Task Force One Returning Home After Successful Deployment to TC Helene, Avery County, NC

After a week of intense search and rescue operations in Avery County, North Carolina, Tennessee Task Force One is demobilizing and heading back home. Our team worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to assist the local community, and we are proud of the efforts and dedication displayed by each member.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the CBP Office of Field Operations SRT Officers, who provided exceptional protection for our team throughout the mission. Their support allowed us to focus on the life-saving tasks, knowing we were in safe hands.

Thank you to everyone who supported this deployment. We are honored to serve and are ready for whatever comes next.

**Tennessee Task Force 1 Deployment (Tropical Cyclone Helene) **

Tennessee Task Force 1, consisting of eighty first responders including firefighters, paramedics, doctors, engineers, and canine teams, deployed at 6:30 AM today en route to stage in Orlando, FL. They will activate as a Type 1 Team and be responsible for Urban Search and Rescue efforts. The tour length is uncertain, and cellular service may be compromised in the area, but they will provide updates when available.

Please keep the entire TN-TF1 team, Shelby County Fire, Bartlett Fire, Germantown Fire, Collierville Fire, Milan Fire, Millington Fire, Memphis Fire, other responding teams, and all those who may be affected by Tropical Cyclone Helene in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come.

Tennessee Task Force One: Urban Search & Rescue is beyond grateful for the hospitality of St. George Fire Department, as we prepare to assist those possibly affected by Hurricane Francine.

In support of FEMA Region 6, the following resources have been activated for Tropical Storm Francine. The Blue Incident Support Team (IST) with the Central IST Cache and two NIMS type 3 US&R Task Forces (Tennessee Task Force 1 and Missouri Task Force 1). The US&R Branch is coordinating contingency plans based on the status of this event, and the possibility of a request for additional Federal ESF #9 assistance.

In support of FEMA Region 6, the following resources have been activated for Tropical Storm Francine. The Blue Incident Support Team (IST) with the Central IST Cache and two NIMS type 3 US&R Task Forces (Tennessee Task Force 1 and Missouri Task Force 1). The US&R Branch is coordinating contingency plans based on the status of this event, and the possibility of a request for additional Federal ESF #9 assistance.