What We Do

 What We Do:

….Help Save a Life

We are a 100% volunteer organization…

  • We don’t receive compensation
  • Members do occasionally incur some out-of-pocket expenses, such as
    • Uniforms
    • Gear
    • Travel

We are professionals…

  • We maintain high standards of professionalism and service.
  • We work at the request of other emergency service and law enforcement agencies.
  • We do not use any alcohol or mind altering drugs (prescription or recreational) while on official missions, trainings, or at meetings.
  • We are in the public eye and must maintain an excellent reputation.

We are a Team…

  • TSAR is not the place for individual egotism or weekend heroes. We operate as a team at all times.
  • Our subject’s survival and the safety of our team members depend on a unified effort.

We do not work for fame or recognition…

  • Our reward is the satisfaction of having practiced our skills and helping people.
  • Our commitment is finding and aiding those in need, not the recognition it may give us by family, friends or the public.

We know our limitations…

  • Both bravado and nostalgia can be dangerous or even fatal if you are not in the proper condition for a strenuous field mission.
  • We realistically assess our level of fitness and adjust our participation accordingly. Supporting a field team (base operations, radio communications, logistics, etc.) are just as important as those out in the field
  • Know your capabilities and capitalize on your strengths.

We sometimes deal with unpleasant situations…

  • We are sometimes called on to recover those that are deceased.
  • Members have the option to decline activities that involve body recoveries.
  • We know our limitations in all areas and are realistic and honest about them.

We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week…

  • We are accessible at all times.
  • We are often activated in the middle of the night, on weekends, or during foul weather.
  • We deploy at any time because we know someone’s life depends on us.

We are committed to our goals, in spite of difficult circumstances…

  • Our work is not always fun and exciting.
  • We may go for months without a mission call-out.
  • We may be called out only to arrive in time to see the subject walk out on his own or through someone else’s help.
  • Our ability to work under various difficult circumstances is directly proportional to our level of commitment.

We are responsible for ourselves…

  • We are insured during missions, trainings, team events and outings.
  • We are responsible for our own actions and safety.
  • We are responsible for our own well-being and look out for our teammates.

We Are Committed…

If you think Tidewater Search and Rescue is a good fit for you, please click here and complete an application for membership or contact our Recruiter at recruiter@tsar.org

Tidewater Search and Rescue does not have a K9 component.  We provide Ground Search resources, as well as Search Management resources.  If you wish to peruse K9 training, we recommend contacting GARD or K9 Alert.