Los Angeles City Council honors Urban Search and Rescue team for New York response

The Los Angeles City Council recognized members of the Los Angeles Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team for their response in New York following the Sept. 11 attacks and for their ongoing service to Los Angeles.

Council members presented a certificate and invited the unit to the dais for a public acknowledgement and group photograph. Council members said the team’s deployment to New York — arriving less than 24 hours after the initial attacks, according to remarks at the meeting — reflected service beyond the usual call of duty.

A representative of the council described the unit’s rapid deployment and noted the city’s pride in the team’s efforts both in New York and at home. A Los Angeles Fire Department official thanked the council for recognition and for ongoing support of the USAR program, and said the unit’s capacity could increase with additional equipment.

City officials asked the officers present to remain for a reception and for public recognition. The ceremony included reading the names of dozens of USAR personnel and canine team members and a request for the public to support firefighter relief efforts: a council member urged residents to purchase red firefighter-support bracelets at Los Angeles fire stations, with proceeds benefitting the New York City Fire Department.

The council also noted a recently dedicated museum space at former Fire Station 27 that will include a firefighter memorial and recognized retired firefighter William Roland, who the department’s representative asked be acknowledged in the chamber.

The presentation was framed as both an appreciation for the New York deployment and a reminder of the USAR team's everyday role protecting Los Angeles.