Ambassador Anderson Hails Fairfax County Search and Rescue Team Deployed to Jamaica

Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, has commended the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team (Virginia Task Force 1) for their courage, professionalism, and humanitarian spirit during their deployment to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at a welcome-home reception for the team on Monday (November 10), at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia, Ambassador Anderson expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica.

During their 10-day deployment in Jamaica, the 34-member Fairfax County team, supported by four search-and-rescue dogs, cleared approximately 8,000 homes and assisted more than 5,000 families with emergency supplies, medical care, and rescue operations across the island’s most heavily impacted parishes.

“Thank you for your service; it comes from the heart. It is the highest level of sacrifice to put yourself in harm’s way for people you don’t even know. Jamaica may not be able to pay it back to Fairfax County, but we will pay it forward,” the Ambassador said.

He underscored that the team’s actions reflected the enduring friendship and partnership between Jamaica and the United States, built on shared values, trust, and mutual support in times of need.

Ambassador Anderson noted that the team’s service would forever hold a place in Jamaica’s history, symbolising courage and international solidarity during one of the island’s most challenging periods.

“As you interacted with Jamaicans on the ground and they expressed appreciation, many will remember in the years to come that you did not have to come but you volunteered when Jamaica was experiencing its worst disaster. You went into the unknown to help people who could not help themselves. You have written your names into Jamaica’s story in one of its most difficult times,” he said.

In expressing appreciation to the families of the team members, the Ambassador acknowledged the personal sacrifices made behind the scenes.

“Families always bear a burden in these circumstances. To the families who wondered whether their loved ones were doing okay, we share in the happiness that they have all returned safely,” he said.

In her remarks, US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Sarah B. Rogers, commended the Government of Jamaica for its foresight and preparedness in mitigating the storm’s impact.

“This was the largest hurricane ever to make landfall in Jamaica and it was only by the miracle of your country’s foresight, preparedness, and investments that the damage wasn’t far worse. We extend condolences to Ambassador Anderson and the people of Jamaica who lost so much in Hurricane Melissa,” she stated.

Ms. Rogers also lauded the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team for their bravery and effectiveness.

“This was our most tightly integrated disaster response effort of all time. This team cleared thousands of buildings and likely saved countless lives. Thank you so much for your extraordinary service,” she said.

Senior Bureau Official in the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Spencer Chretien, officials from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, and family and friends of the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team also attended the function.