This author Shannon Smith has created 45 entries.

TEXSAR Launches Missing Persons Unit

Press Release For Immediate Release Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) Launches Missing Persons Unit and Hires Retired Texas Ranger, Todd Snyder March 29, 2023, Austin, TX: TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue) has launched the TEXSAR Missing Persons Unit (MPU). This unit will be led by retired Texas Ranger, Todd Snyder. The MPU will work with local law enforcement agencies on their missing person caseloads.  “After extensive involvement in missing person cases over the years and seeing the overload of cases many of the agencies...

TEXSAR Receives 2022 Governor’s Volunteer Award

We are proud to officially announce TEXSAR has been recognized by the OneStar Foundation and the Office of the Governor of Texas with the 2022 Governor’s Volunteer Award for Excellence in Disaster Volunteerism. TEXSAR President and CEO, Justin McInnis, said, “TEXSAR prides itself on its mission of service above self. We are truly Texans helping Texans and we are humbled by this recognition.” TEXSAR was founded in 2004 and has dedicated volunteers trained in multiple disciplines located across the entire state...

Is Emergency Preparedness Part of Your 2023 New Year’s Resolution?

If previous years have taught us anything, when you least expect it disaster can strike. Join us in adding Emergency Preparedness to your 2023 New Year’s Resolutions. Have you done everything to prepare you and your family? Here are FIVE simple ways your family can be prepared for 2023: 1) Check your smoke detector batteries. Be sure they are working properly. 2) Check your first aid kit, is there anything that needs to be replaced or is expired? Here are some additional...

Carine Chalfoun Service Above Self Award – 2022

In 2020, TEXSAR announced the Carine Chalfoun Service Above Self Award, in honor of our late board member, colleague, and friend. Carine embodied everything that was right for this world and for this team. Service above all else, continual education of oneself, and sense of mission. This award is given to a member who represents and embodies service above self, education, dedication, integrity, perseverance, and mission to TEXSAR and the greater community. With this award, the recipient will also receive a...

Carine and Cesar Chalfoun First Responders Fund

  Early in 2020, TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue) had to send an unexpected farewell to TEXSAR member Carine Chalfoun who passed away February 18th, 2020. A few days after we lost Carine, her dear father passed away leaving two very empty voids in the hearts of their beloved family members and friends.   To keep their memories alive the Chalfoun Family has begun the Carine and Cesar Chalfoun First Responders Fund which will award scholarships to deserving and dedicated TEXSAR members, up...

5th Annual TEXSAR Memorial Clay Shoot

The 5th Annual TEXSAR Memorial Clay Shoot was a Success! Our sincerest thanks to everyone who made it possible. Because of YOU, TEXSAR raised: OVER $15,000 Final Total Coming Soon! 6th Annual TEXSAR Memorial Clay Shoot – TBD, 2023 Hog Heaven Sporting Club in Dripping Springs, Texas AWARD WINNERS 1st Place Team – Team Andrew Tull 2nd Place Team – Spawglass 3rd Place Team – Duck Camp Top Male Shooter – Christian Spies Top Female Shooter – Detective Lafitte Flurry Winners: Kevin Ivy & Stjepan Kadic TEXSAR CLAY SHOOT 2022 PHOTO GALLERY...

Volunteer Spotlight

TEXSAR has declared 2022, the Year of the Volunteer. TEXSAR Members (volunteers) are the spirit behind the mission. We brag on these team members a lot, but with extensive growth over the past several years, we feel it necessary to devote an entire year to celebrating these selfless individuals that define who we are.  We will be spotlighting TEXSAR Members all year long. Stay tuned to this blog for our monthly spotlights and get a glimpse of who our volunteers really...

McCoys Building and Supply Supports SAR Week

  This week, Hays County and the City of Pflugerville will proclaim May 22nd – May 28th as Search and Rescue Week. Nueces County in the Coastal Bend region will make a similar proclamation on May 25th.  Local Headquarters for McCoys Building Supply also joined in support through a Texas-wide campaign recognizing and thanking Search and Rescue professionals for their service. This acknowledgement falls right at the start of hurricane season and is a stark reminder of...

What is Search and Rescue (SAR)?

Search and rescue, or SAR, involves: conducting a search in an effort to locate lost or missing people, rendering aid to the victim, and evacuating the victim to safety or recovering the body. Search and rescue can take many forms, such as: ground search and rescue, K9 search and rescue, flood and swiftwater rescue, vertical rescue, aerial searches, mounted search and rescue, search and rescue diving, and many more. The type of SAR operation...

TEXSAR Hires Director of Business Administration

  After an exhaustive nationwide search, we are thrilled to introduce everyone to our new Director of Business Administration, Terri Putney. We are very excited to have Terri joining the TEXSAR team to help keep up with our growth and continue to solidify our organization in the response arena. Terri will be responsible for all business administration duties including finance, bookkeeping, and human resources. She holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Western Governors University and comes with a diverse...

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