The United States Agency for International Development activated their Fairfax County-based search and rescue team to aid in rescue efforts in Japan following an earthquake Thursday.

The team, composed of firefighters from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, received the call from USAID just after noon Friday, said Capt. Will Bailey, spokesman for the county agency. He said 72 of the more the 200 members of the team will travel to Japan at some point soon along with six search and rescue dogs. The team started assembling at the county’s fire academy with their equipment Friday afternoon. Current status updates show that they have deployed 74 personnel to include search and rescue canines, physicians, paramedics, structural engineers, technical search and rescue specialists, hazardous material specialists and other support personnel and approximately 30 tons of equipment.

Among those going to Japan with the team is Lorton resident, Barry Maham. According to his wife, Amber, Maham was scheduled to arrive in Japan this morning.

More details.

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