“Tara was a little black lab that came from Florida. I got Tara at the age of nine months. We joined the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team, Massachusetts Task Force 1 in the spring of 1996. Tara was trained to locate live survivors in wilderness search and in building collapses. She was first certified to the FEMA basic level in the spring of 1998. Tara received her FEMA advanced certified to The FEMA basic level in the spring of 1998. Tara received her FEMA advanced certification in the fall of 1998. Tara was an energetic partner that had a powerful play drive. She loved the game of search and rescue and she was always eager to please. Tara went on numerous wilderness searches and several building collapses. Tara’s biggest mission was the attack on the World Trade Centers. She searched the World Trade Center rubble for eight days after the attacks. Through it all she stayed focused and alert and was always willing to search. Even though Tara did not find anyone during her eight days there, she brought comfort to all around her. Tara was a wonderful partner and fulfilled our lives with love til the day she passed away. May you rest in peace my partners.”
April 15, 1995 – March 25, 2011
– Lee Prentiss
MATF-1 USAR Team
