About TEXSAR

TEXSAR is a multi-discipline, 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization of community-based Search and Rescue units providing rapid, direct emergency response to the public at the local, state, and national levels. We abide by the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and perform the following services:

• Wilderness Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Technical Rescue Operations
• Disaster Response and Relief
• Support/rehab to fire departments and law enforcement
• Education for the general public in emergency preparedness
• Public classes and community involvement

How We're Deployed

Deployment requests are issued by the federal government, governor or state government, local law enforcement, or relief organizations (e.g. Red Cross). When deployed, we work under and abide by the hierarchy and guidelines of the Incident Command System (ICS). If deployed by local law enforcement we act as a function of that department and answer directly to them. Though we do not perform actual criminal law enforcement duties, we can act as needed in a support role for the department.

Training and Readiness

TEXSAR prides itself as being in a constant state of readiness. This means that we are not only geared up and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, but we are also continually training and exercising all opportunities to further our education and ability to perform our duties.

What We've Done

• Disaster Relief
  • Hurricane Katrina
  • Hurricane Rita
  • Hurricane Ike
  • Central Texas Fires
  • Central Texas Floods
• Missing Person Searches
  • Missing Children
  • Alzheimer’s Patients
  • Floods / Weather
• Rehab/Support for Central Texas Fires
• Victim Extractions and First Aid
• Air Search Operations
• Canine Searches
• Water Searches
• Shelter Operations
• Red Cross and Fire Department Support
• CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Training
• Community Service and Education

Guiding Principles

SERVICE BEFORE SELF - As volunteer emergency responders, we each put the needs of the public above our own desires and wants.

PUBLIC SAFETY - Ensuring and protecting the public's safety is our primary concern. We will do everything in our power to assist people in emergency and normal conditions.

PUBLIC TRUST - The public's trust is vital to the successful operation of TEXSAR. We will conduct ourselves in such a way that we will always deserve that trust.

PUBLIC SERVICE - It is important to TEXSAR that our units are viewed as providing more than just emergency response. While we will always maintain emergency readiness, it is our goal that we also provide an array of services that support the well-being of our communities.