TSAR operates ten specialty units – smaller divisions of the team which specialize in a particular set of skills and equipment useful in search and rescue. Members may become a part of one or more units. Each unit has its own set of standards and certifications that must be met in order to respond as a member of that unit. Units may train 1 or more times a month, with some units training weekly.

TSAR Specialty Units add exceptionalism to the TSAR team and the bottom-line mission-ready response capabilities of TSAR. Specialty Units do independent work, but also coordinate their specialties with other units and thus, must also train together to maximize the effectiveness of those combined resources. For example, the K9 Unit works with the Drone Unit, as in one example, when a K9 indicates along a specific directional bearing multiple times, we can send a drone out along that bearing to search. This could result in pinpointing a person's location much more quickly and time is crucial in the ability to deliver life-saving measures. If a person is located, then the Bike Unit or OHV Unit may work with the Ground and Medical Units in order to deliver needed medical supplies more rapidly. Swiftwater and Tech work together, as rope rescue is an integral part of both units. The K9 Unit depends on the Swiftwater Unit for transportation, while the K9 nose can help locate in unseen areas along the river. While each unit works and trains autonomously, we always work together as an integrated team.

Please explore our Specialty Units below and learn more about them and the volunteers who serve through training and giving of their knowledge and experience toward these vital specialties...