The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Freddie O'Connell, Mayor
Executive Order 14
Subject: Emergency Management Urban Search and Rescue Team
WHEREAS, the Office of Emergency Management was created by Section 2.10.010 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, and placed under the management and control of the Mayor; and
WHEREAS, the Office is charged with responsibilities of establishing, coordinating and directing a comprehensive emergency management program (M.C.L. Chapter 2.10); and
WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has developed national standards for the development of Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR Teams) and a national USAR response system; and
WHEREAS, USAR Teams are specialized teams designed and trained in emergency response activities related to building collapses, rescues from confined and/or limited access spaces such as tanks, sewer lines, high rises, and caves, and rescues using ropes and heavy equipment; and
WHEREAS, a USAR Team and participation in a national USAR response system will provide a service vital to the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me, do hereby find, direct, and order the following:
1. The director of the Office of Emergency Management establishes and coordinates the Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR Team), utilizing to the extent possible the Metropolitan Government's existing personnel and equipment resources. The Urban Search and Rescue Team operates in accordance with the federal standards. Qualification as part of, and participation in, the national USAR response system shall be sought.
2. Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT), Police, Fire, Water and Sewerage, General Services, and any other department of the Metropolitan Government so requested by the office of Emergency Management, are hereby directed to cooperate with and assist in the operation of the USAR Team, and/or to participate as part of the USAR Team.
Ordered, Effective and Issued: January 17, 2024
Freddie O’Connell
Metropolitan County Mayor