Latest news with #UrbanSearchAndRescue
CNN
21-07-2025
- Politics
- CNN
FEMA search and rescue chief resigns after frustration with Texas flood response
The head of FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue branch, which runs a network of teams stationed across the country that can swiftly respond to natural disasters, resigned on Monday. Ken Pagurek's departure comes less than three weeks after a delayed FEMA response to catastrophic flooding in central Texas caused by bureaucratic hurdles put in place by the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the disaster response agency. Pagurek told colleagues at FEMA that the delay was the tipping point that led to his voluntary departure after months of frustration with the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency, according to two sources familiar with his thinking. It took more than 72 hours after the flooding for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to authorize the deployment of FEMA's search and rescue network. After spending more than a decade with FEMA's urban search and rescue system, including about a year as its chief, Pagurek said in his resignation letter, obtained by CNN, that he was returning to the Philadelphia Fire Department and did not mention the Texas flooding. 'This decision was not made lightly, and after much reflection and prayer, it is the right path for me at this time,' Pagurek wrote. 'I have been continually inspired by the unwavering dedication, unmatched courage, and deep-seated commitment we share for saving lives and bringing hope in the face of devastation.' The Department of Homeland Security has defended its response to the Texas floods. A department spokesperson stressed that Noem initially tapped into other DHS assets, including rescue teams from the US Coast Guard and Border Patrol, and over time, as a need for FEMA resources arose, those requests received the secretary's approval. Some FEMA officials have balked at sweeping changes to FEMA under the Trump administration, more than a dozen agency officials have told CNN, which they believe have stripped the agency of its autonomy and undermined its ability to respond to disasters quickly and efficiently. Pagurek joins dozens of high-ranking officials to leave FEMA since Trump took office, as the agency undergoes a major overhaul and faces plummeting morale and a brain drain from the departure of longtime leaders. Established by Congress in the early 1990s, FEMA's urban search and rescue system, or US&R, includes a network of 28 highly trained state-managed teams stationed across the country, ready to rapidly deploy to a wide range of disasters – from collapsed buildings to catastrophic storms. Annual congressional funding ensures these task forces are equipped for the nation's worst emergencies and paid when FEMA deploys them – though local fire departments and emergency management offices house and staff the crews and maintain their readiness.
CNN
21-07-2025
- Politics
- CNN
FEMA search and rescue chief resigns after frustration with Texas flood response
The head of FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue branch, which runs a network of teams stationed across the country that can swiftly respond to natural disasters, resigned on Monday. Ken Pagurek's departure comes less than three weeks after a delayed FEMA response to catastrophic flooding in central Texas caused by bureaucratic hurdles put in place by the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the disaster response agency. Pagurek told colleagues at FEMA that the delay was the tipping point that led to his voluntary departure after months of frustration with the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency, according to two sources familiar with his thinking. It took more than 72 hours after the flooding for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to authorize the deployment of FEMA's search and rescue network. After spending more than a decade with FEMA's urban search and rescue system, including about a year as its chief, Pagurek said in his resignation letter, obtained by CNN, that he was returning to the Philadelphia Fire Department and did not mention the Texas flooding. 'This decision was not made lightly, and after much reflection and prayer, it is the right path for me at this time,' Pagurek wrote. 'I have been continually inspired by the unwavering dedication, unmatched courage, and deep-seated commitment we share for saving lives and bringing hope in the face of devastation.' The Department of Homeland Security has defended its response to the Texas floods. A department spokesperson stressed that Noem initially tapped into other DHS assets, including rescue teams from the US Coast Guard and Border Patrol, and over time, as a need for FEMA resources arose, those requests received the secretary's approval. Some FEMA officials have balked at sweeping changes to FEMA under the Trump administration, more than a dozen agency officials have told CNN, which they believe have stripped the agency of its autonomy and undermined its ability to respond to disasters quickly and efficiently. Pagurek joins dozens of high-ranking officials to leave FEMA since Trump took office, as the agency undergoes a major overhaul and faces plummeting morale and a brain drain from the departure of longtime leaders. Established by Congress in the early 1990s, FEMA's urban search and rescue system, or US&R, includes a network of 28 highly trained state-managed teams stationed across the country, ready to rapidly deploy to a wide range of disasters – from collapsed buildings to catastrophic storms. Annual congressional funding ensures these task forces are equipped for the nation's worst emergencies and paid when FEMA deploys them – though local fire departments and emergency management offices house and staff the crews and maintain their readiness.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
ICE Barbie Delayed Texas Aid While Asking Instagram Which Portrait to Order
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem waited four days to sign off crucial aid for the Texas floods—but did find time to post on social media about her official portrait. Four officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which falls under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security, told CNN that a newly introduced requirement for Noem's signature on any contract and grant over $100,000 delayed their response to the flooding in Texas, where 120 people have died and a further 150 are missing. CNN reported that FEMA was unable to move Urban Search and Rescue crews into position when waters started rising on Friday because it needed Noem's signature, which did not come until Monday. It is unclear why Noem waited until Monday to sign off. But some of what she did at the weekend while the Texas tragedy unfolded is known. Noem asked her Instagram followers on Sunday which image they preferred for her official portrait as the former governor of South Dakota.'Which one do you like for the official Governor's portrait to hang in the South Dakota State Capitol? Thank you David Uhl!' she posted. The rescue teams were not the only delayed aid. Texas also requested aerial imagery from FEMA to bolster search and rescue operations, but that was similarly delayed because Noem's approval was needed for the contract, a source told CNN. Callers to FEMA's disaster call center have also been forced to wait longer for a response since Noem's signature was needed to bring in additional staff, CNN reported. Multiple FEMA officials told the network that acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson has been given little authority by Noem. Last month, CNN obtained a memo indicating that all Homeland Security contracts and grants over $100,000 must first be approved by Noem before the funds are released. The memo stated that funding requests must include details such as the mission's impact, dollar amounts, timeliness issues, descriptions of the supplies or services, and a plan of action. But it appeared to have caused chaos inside FEMA. 'We were operating under a clear set of guidance: lean forward, be prepared, anticipate what the state needs, and be ready to deliver it,' a longtime FEMA official told the news outlet. 'That is not as clear of an intent for us at the moment.' Former FEMA Director Deanne Criswell told The Source with Kaitlan Collins that the new rule could have cost lives. 'What happened, I think, here, is that we couldn't move, or FEMA couldn't move those resources in like they normally would, to be on the ground ready once they found out how bad the situation was,' she said. 'And you lose time, and that's time that can cost lives in the end. And so it's really important for emergency managers to always be proactive and thinking ahead and getting resources in place.' Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told CNN, 'FEMA is shifting from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens.' 'The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades,' she said. Editor's note: Due to an editing error, this story briefly referred to Kristi Noem as incorrectly as a former North Dakota governor. She was governor of South Dakota.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Noem demanding to sign off on all FEMA expenditures over $100K and staff says it's impacting emergency response
Federal Emergency Management Agency workers claim they ran into red tape while trying to assemble resources in response to the catastrophic flooding in central Texas because of new guidelines implemented by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. FEMA officials told CNN they were unable to pre-position Urban Search and Rescue crews from across the country to Texas, as flood waters dramatically rose to levels not seen in decades, destroying children's summer camps, homes, and putting hundreds of lives at risk. That was because Noem enacted a new rule requiring any department contract or grant over $100,000 to be personally signed off by her before funds can be utilized, several current FEMA officials told NBC News. 'FEMA doesn't sneeze without spending that amount of money,' a former official anonymously told NBC News. The rule, which is meant to cut back spending, could be a major problem for FEMA, which regularly accesses millions of dollars to assist in disaster response and recovery. 'We were operating under a clear set of guidance: lean forward, be prepared, anticipate what the state needs, and be ready to deliver it,' an unnamed longtime FEMA official told CNN. 'That is not as clear of an intent for us at the moment,' the official added. The Independent has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment. Noem eventually approved FEMA's request on Monday, nearly three days after the initial flooding occurred, sources told CNN. FEMA officials also adopted a more streamlined process to send requests to Noem, creating a task force to speed up the process, two people familiar with the situation told NBC News. Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, told CNN that Noem did not need to authorize additional FEMA resources initially because the department used other search and rescue assets. Noem approved the requested FEMA funding as time went on, and there was a need for it, McLaughlin said. The department told NBC News it has taken an 'all hands on deck approach to respond to recovery efforts in Kerrville.' But FEMA officials told the news outlet that they fear the newly implemented rule could have far more devastating consequences when disaster strikes a larger area, or multiple states. In the area of central Texas where the flooding occurred, at least 120 people have died, including children, and more than 160 people are still missing. DHS says that Noem's recent cost-approval change is meant to reduce federal overspending and 'empower' states to respond to disasters. The step appears aligned with President Donald Trump's larger goal of phasing out FEMA completely. In June, Trump said he wants to 'wean off of FEMA' and 'bring it down to the state level.' 'A governor should be able to handle it, and frankly, if they can't handle it, the aftermath, then maybe they shouldn't be governor,' Trump said. When confronted with the question over the weekend, Trump softened his stance but did not rule out his plan to axe FEMA. FEMA is the lead federal agency tasked with responding to disasters and was established during the Carter administration. When a president declares a major disaster or emergency declaration, a state can access critical federal funding to assist in response and recovery.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
31 workers rescued after partial tunnel collapse in Los Angeles, officials say
Thirty-one people working in a massive underground tunnel in Los Angeles were rescued Wednesday night after a portion of the structure collapsed, officials said. Those rescued didn't have any visible injuries, the LAFD said in a statement, shortly after an operation that saw several of those trapped in the industrial tunnel hoisted up to safety by crane. More than 100 Los Angeles Fire Department responders raced to the scene in the city's Wilmington neighborhood to assist in the operation, including Urban Search and Rescue teams, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said on X. The collapse occurred approximately five to six miles from the sole entry and exit point of the tunnel and about 400 feet below ground, officials said. The tunnel is part of a municipal wastewater project. The trapped workers managed to climb over a 12- to 15-foot-high pile of loose soil to reach coworkers on the other side, preliminary reports indicate. From there, they were transported by tunnel vehicle to the access point, the fire department said. Firefighters used cranes and rescue cages to hoist several workers out, according to video from CNN affiliate KCBS/KCAL. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass met with the rescued workers and emergency responders on the scene, according to a video posted to her X account. 'Thank you again to all our first responders working to get Angelenos to safety,' Bass said. The failure occurred when workers were operating the tunnel boring machine and a section they had already built collapsed due to 'squeezing ground,' Robert Ferrante, chief engineer and general manager of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, said at a news conference late Wednesday. Squeezing ground occurs when the ground or soil deforms significantly during an excavation. Work on the site will be stopped and inspected, Ferrante added, but he did not elaborate on how long it will take. Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Janice Hahn said the incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in these projects and that the sanitation districts would 'look into' what caused the incident. CNN's Josh Campbell contributed to this report.
