659F Fall 2025 International Search and Rescue Demonstration

The Fairfax County International Urban Search and Rescue Team, sponsored by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, is capable of both domestic and international disaster response. The team has extensive deployment experience with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Team is recognized throughout the United States and the world, as a premier leader in disaster response and the provision of training in catastrophic event mitigation, readiness, and recovery. Formed in 1986 after the devastating Mexico City earthquake in 1985, the Team is comprised of approximately 210 trained and equipped personnel, including firefighters and paramedics from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, as well as highly trained civilian personnel including physicians, canine handlers, and structural engineers. Since our first mission in 1988 to former Soviet-Armenia, the Team has deployed to dozens of natural and man-made disasters around the globe, saving countless lives and alleviating human suffering along the way. 

Macy Hunsicker joined VA-TF1 in October of 2021 and certified with K9 Phrenzy in November 2023.Phrenzy is a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever and a 4th generation FEMA USAR K-9. Last fall, Macy and Phrenzy deployed with VA-TF1 in support of Hurricane’s Milton and Helene. Phrenzy’s favorite food is popcorn, and she loves to work for her bungee toy! 

Scott Schermerhorn joined VA-TF1 in November of 2007 and has deployed with the Team more than two dozen times in multiple positions including Task Force Leader, Logistics Manager, as well as Rescue and Medical Specialist. Most recently he deployed as a US&R SME to FEMA Headquarters during the Hurricane’s Milton and Helene response, and as Task Force Leader during the Team’s deployment to the 2023 Türkiye Earthquake. Currently a Deputy Chief with the Fire and Rescue Department, Scott also serves as the Logistics Functional Group leader for the entire FEMA US&R System.