Texas Task Force 1 is marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks by reflecting on its first major national mission following the tragedy. The urban search and rescue unit, which joined FEMA’s national response roster in 2001, was deployed to New York City shortly after the towers fell.
Nim Kidd, who served as a San Antonio Fire Department member at the time, received news of the attacks via phone call while waiting for his shift. He recalls being told to turn on the television just as the second plane struck the World Trade Center. That moment served as the team’s initial alert to mobilize.
The task force gathered at McGuire Air Force Base before traveling by bus to New York City. Kidd described waking during the journey to see the Statue of Liberty and columns of smoke rising from the city. Upon reaching Ground Zero, he noted the complete pulverization of the buildings, which had contained hundreds of acres of office space.
Kidd, now the Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, emphasized that the lessons learned from the disaster have helped save lives in subsequent emergencies. He stated that the event changed how first responders across all disciplines collaborate nationwide.
The task force’s experience during those early hours remains a defining moment for its members. Kidd said the attacks impacted not only those who responded but also the broader public watching the events unfold.
