Arkansas Task Force 1 came to town to train local firefighters on how they rescue people during disasters

A very special team of life savers was in town on Thursday to help local firefighters get familiar with what they do.

According to Fire Chief Bill Ford of Benton, his Department and Bryant Fire Department each sent crews to meet with Arkansas Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)  at Alcoa Crossing Shopping Center. USAR is a team that is qualified and equipped to respond to search and rescue victims that are trapped or entombed in collapsed reinforced concrete and steel structures.

The vehicles and staff deploy when there is the possibility of a disaster, or if one has already occurred, such as a tornado, hurricane, earthquake or other disaster. They work both in-state and other areas of the country. They can help in search and rescue efforts with specialized equipment for this purpose.

To learn more about USAR, visit https://taskforce1.net/.