HARRISBURG, Pa. – HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, announced on Oct. 2, 2026, that members of its community who serve with Pennsylvania Task Force 1 (PA-TF1) have been activated to support disaster response efforts in the Southwestern United States.
The Southwest activation follows a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for national urban search-and-rescue resources to be prepared to meet emerging needs. Forecasters anticipate that the remnants of a tropical system will bring considerable flash flooding to portions of the Southwest, with the potential for river flooding.
“We are incredibly proud of the HACC colleagues who have answered this call,” said Dr. Jennie Baar, executive dean of the School of Public Service at HACC. “Their service is the clearest example of what we teach: that public safety means being ready, working together and putting others first. Our thoughts are with them and their families, and we are grateful for their commitment to communities far from home.”
HACC's School of Public Service prepares students and professionals for careers in emergency services, law enforcement, firefighting and public safety. HACC also supports PA-TF1, one of FEMA's 28 urban search and rescue task forces, as a training location. The service of these team members reflects the college's commitment to the communities it serves, both close to home and across the country.
HACC will not share further operational details, as response operations are ongoing and conditions may change. Questions about the deployment should be directed to PA-TF1 and FEMA.
HACC extends its gratitude to the activated team members and their families and wishes everyone a safe and successful mission.
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 12,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through distance education; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on X (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.