Fairfax Board Chair Sharon Bulova will welcome members of Virginia Task Force One (VATF-1), Fairfax County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, tonight when it returns home at approximately 9:45 p.m., to VATF-1’s headquarters, 14725 Flint Lee Road, Chantilly.

Three K-9 handlers and their K-9’s were initially deployed to Arlington, Washington to support search and rescue operations for victims of the March 22nd mudslide. “I am happy to welcome home the K-9 unit from Fairfax County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team,” Chairman Bulova said. “These team members really made a difference in bringing closure to the families of victims of the mudslide. Their hard work and selflessness have made Fairfax County proud.” The K-9 handlers and their dogs were specifically requested to assist in recovery efforts in their search areas. The team worked non-stop in difficult weather conditions for two weeks, locating several victims. The team was given preliminary demobilization orders effective Wednesday night from the mudslide event.

All associated costs for VATF-1 are paid for by the Department of Homeland Security.