Beverly MA Task Force 1 Founder Mark Foster Remembered

BEVERLY, MA — A lifelong Beverly resident who founded the Massachusetts Task Force 1 urban search-and-rescue team that responded to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bombing, the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City, and dozens of hurricanes and wildfire crises across the country over the past three decades is being remembered as "a legend and a true pioneer in the emergency management field."

MA Task Force 1 announced that Mark Foster died on Sunday. He was 75.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Mark Foster," MA Task Force 1 announced. "He literally built MA-TF1 from the ground up and we are forever grateful. This was
his second home for 30-plus years before his retirement last year.

"He was truly a pioneer in the US&R system, He will be greatly missed."

Foster was a graduate of Beverly High and Northeastern University who moved to North Beverly with his family in 1985.

Foster founded MA Task Force 1 as one of 28 national volunteer urban search-and-rescue teams in 1990 and served as its leader until his retirement last year.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mark Foster," the Beverly Fire Department said. "Mark was a legend and a true pioneer in the emergency management field. His passion, knowledge, experience, and kindness will forever be missed.

"Our deepest sympathies to his family. Rest easy Mark."

His obituary said he was known for being fearless, adventurous, and for always thinking outside of the box.

"Immediately say yes to every opportunity," he was known to say. " You can back out of a yes; with a no, you may never get a second shot."

Visiting Hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Mark’s memory may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, New York 10018, or a charity of your choice.