AUSTIN -- The Texas House of Representatives honored Texas Task Force I, the State’s elite urban search and rescue unit, on the 18th month anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, during a ceremony today.

Texas Task Force 1 spearheaded Texas’ efforts to recover victims and remains at the site of the World Trade Center collapse. The team, established in 1989, earned praise and gratitude throughout the nation for their hard work and professionalism at Ground Zero.

"Texas Task Force 1 shows Texas at its most compassionate and at it’s most professional," said Rep. Dianne White Delisi, who sponsored the resolution honoring the force. "They left a lasting impression in the hearts of Texans and all Americans, and we can be proud to have such an asset in Texas."

The elite team has also responded to other disasters and tragedies, including the breakup of the space shuttle Columbia in February, the Aggie Bonfire collapse in 1999, and numerous natural disasters. The task force is thoroughly integrated with both the emergency plans of the state and federal emergency management authorities.