Search and Rescue:
Lafayette, TN 2008
On February 5, 2008 at approximately 10:20pm, an EF3 tornado touched down in Lafayette, TN and stayed on the ground
with a width of approximately 3/4 mile and traveled for nearly 21 miles. My former search and rescue Team, USAR (Urban
Search and Rescue) was called out as part of Tennessee Task Force II, middle Tennessee's disaster response team. While
searching for tornado survivors and victims, I had the honor of meeting President George W. Bush as he visited the area to offer
his support and condolences to those affected by the tornado and those working to help them.
After the search results were concluded, I sent President Bush a thank-you letter and some photos of flags flying in the debris.
Below is the response to that letter and some pictures I took at the tornado site.
This door was all that was left of a daycare.
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Taking a break from searching.
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Sadie and Ken waiting to search.
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It is important to check for injuries after each search.
The dogs have to maneuver across unstable and
dangerous surfaces.
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Lisa and her rubble dog, Ripp
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The search dog is barely visible on what was left of a
house. Searchers wait for Misha's signal.
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One of the search dogs on a fallen house.
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President Bush with rescue workers.
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President Bush talks to the rescue workers.
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This human remains detection dog takes a
break from searching.
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Anne checks her dog for injuries.
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