Robinson: New Law Establishes Western PA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force

HARRISBURG - Legislation championed by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) has been signed into law, significantly enhancing Pennsylvania's disaster response capabilities. This bipartisan-supported bill creates a new Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force in western Pennsylvania.

"With this legislation, we are elevating our state's emergency response network and bolstering our readiness to protect communities when they need it most," said Robinson. "This task force ensures that western Pennsylvania will have access to vital, life-saving resources during critical moments."

Act 113 of 2024 authorizes the establishment of the new USAR task force, which received $6 million in the recent state budget with Robinson's advocacy. Positioned in western Pennsylvania, this specialized unit will expand Pennsylvania's disaster response infrastructure by complementing the existing Task Force One based in the southeastern part of the state. Equipped with highly trained firefighters, engineers, medical professionals, canine handlers and emergency managers, the task force is prepared to rapidly deploy in response to structural collapses, floods, hurricanes and other emergencies. Robinson sponsored the Senate version of the bill, Senate Bill 792.

CONTACT:
Allison Dutrey