Indiana USAR Task Force #1

03/11/2026

Indiana Task Force 1 was activated overnight as a Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Team following the tornado that struck Lake Village in Newton County.

43 personnel left this morning and arrived in Lake Village.

Crews are conducting search and rescue operations in heavily damaged areas of the community.

09/29/2025

Due to a change in the forcasted tropical storm. Indiana Task Force 1 has been deactivated and returned to Indiana. Thank you for your continued support of our team.

09/28/2025

48 personnel from Indiana Task Force 1 have been activated and deployed as a Type III Urban Search and Rescue team this morning destined for the Carolinas. The team left Indianapolis at 6 a.m. this morning in support of an anticipated tropical storm moving up the southeast coast of the US.

09/11/2025

08/31/2025

Such a beautiful sunset

08/20/2025

07/28/2025

Kerr County Texas Deployment

07/28/2025

After a 20 Day deployment to Kerr County Texas, all 83 Members of returned home today, in good time, good health and good spirits. Despite Long Days, Stifling Heat, High Humidity and each member covering over 100 miles on foot... during the deployment... the opportunity to assist those affected by the deadly floods was an honor not taken lightly. Thank you for giving up your time with your own families to help bring closure to others. Well Done Team.

07/25/2025

After 18 days of committed and tireless effort assisting the State of Texas, IN-TF1 is finalizing their deployment. After re-packing, securing equipment and ensuring all deployment directives are wrapped up, the team will make the several day journey home. Please keep them in your thoughts for safe travel.

07/20/2025

Now into their 14th day of deployment to Kerr County, Texas members of Indiana Task Force 1 continue to assist the state of Texas conducting search operations along the Guadalupe River. The historic flooding that occurred between July 4th - 10th has left the area muddy, wet and debris filled with rough terrain. The team reports that members are healthy, remain focused on the mission and are thankful to be lending a hand to the Kerr County community. Please keep the team in your thoughts as they go forward.

07/14/2025

Yesterday, Indiana Task Force 1 (IN-TF1) received activation orders to deploy an additional 35 team members to assist with search and recovery efforts in Kerr County, TX. These members, combined with the 49 IN-TF1 members already there, expands their activation from a Type 3 Incident Team to a Type 1 Incident Team.

Once the team was activated and deployment confirmed, Chief Tom Neal began the process of arranging travel for the 35 members. Typically done by bus, which may take several days, Chief Neal also explored the option of air travel. Acquiring 35 last minute seats - an arduous task at best.

Then came divine intervention from Baker Hill CEO Andy Ivankovich and CMO Jason Archer.

Simultaneous to Tom's efforts, an IN-TF1 member in Texas was having a casual conversation with Mr. Ivankovich who had stopped by to offer supplies for the teams. Snacks, water, toiletries etc. The team was grateful.

Before he left, Mr. Ivankovich asked - what else does the team need and the INTF1 member glibly replied - how about an aircraft? Without missing a beat, Mr. Ivankovich said - I can do that. Give me Tom's number."

Within hours the team departed Indianapolis via charter through Indianapolis International Airport (IND). They arrived safely in Texas this morning at 4:00 AM.

Mr. Ivankovich states he did this out of generosity and the need to help his fellow Texans. The cost associated with this charter is 100% being absorbed by him.

Mr. Ivankovich, is the CEO of Baker Hill, located in Carmel, IN although he resides in Texas nearby the flooded areas. He told the team he too has been personally affected by the tragedy. Mr. Ivankovich is "a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a small business owner of Singing Waters Vineyards in Comfort, Texas, a fintech entrepreneur and a former banker."

CMO Jason Archer helped coordinate the travel.

IN-TF1 cannot express enough thanks for their generosity.

The 35 have integrated with the IN-TF1 members already on the ground and are expected to conduct search operations all day, in support of the State of Texas.

National US&R Response System FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency