- Search and Rescue Commands
Escambia Search and Rescue is made up several units or Commands. ESAR members are encouraged to cross train and participate with Commands other than the one they are assigned to when duty calls. Dive Command members get out in the woods to assist Land Command and K9 Command; Communications Command members will take to the water and operate boats during a mission.
- Boat ESAR
o The Boat Command has several vessels fully equipped for rescue and recovery operations, including underwater video cameras and side-scan sonar. We respond to drownings, missing or overdue boaters, and natural disasters. Boat ESAR works on lakes, creeks, rivers and the Gulf of Mexico to support other Commands as well as area fire departments and area law enforcement agencies. We practice our skills on the bays, rivers, and creeks of Escambia County at least once a month and cross train with all other Commands to familiarize ourselves with their members, operations, and resources. The ability to reach deep into the backwater areas in search of lost fishermen and hunters is invaluable to our overall mission. Vessels in the command include: a 23-foot Mako and an 18-foot Sea Ark for bays and rivers, a 14-foot River Boat and a 17-foot River Boat to use with K9.
- Communications
- In an emergency, the Communications Command takes charge of our call out system informing members of the mission, a staging location, and any other information needed prior to arrival at the staging area. During a mission the Communications Command keeps up with the evolving situation, provides communications, documents activities, logs evidence, and monitors the safety of our units in the field. The command post remains in contact with local authorities and the Emergency Operations Center and can communicate with state, county, volunteer and military response personnel, boats, and aircraft. Communications Command operates out of ESAR’s Mobile Command Center, a custom, 30-foot RV with communications equipment; wireless INTERNET access; computer / printer; restroom facility; and food preparation capability.
- Dive
o The Dive Command is made up of a variety of specialized divers from throughout the county. Many of our divers have attained levels of expertise such as Dive Master, Instructor, Rescue Diver, and have obtained deep water dive certification. Dive command responds to drownings, water rescues, flood evacuations, evidence searches, missing and overdue boaters and natural disasters.
- Family Services
o During a mission, the Family Services Command comforts the family of the missing, and keeps them informed on the progress of the search. These services are provided until friends, family or other advocates arrive. Members of the Family Services Command interview the friends and family of the missing to develop clues as to where they may be, or what may be going on in their life. Such information helps the Search Incident Commander in developing a Search Strategy. The Family Services Command also informs the friends and family of search techniques and mission strategies so they know we are doing everything we can to find their loved one.
- K9 ESAR
o ESAR’s K9 Command includes some of our most valuable team members – our dogs. ESAR’s K9 Command dogs and handlers are certified to search on land and on the water. Area Scent dogs search large areas for a missing person while Trailing dogs follow a missing person’s path.
Human Remain Detection (HRD) dogs trained to locate the odor of human decomposition. HRD dogs are used to locate drowning victims, victims of natural disasters, suicides, and other missing person cases. Sometimes they are used to help law enforcement officials locate evidence of a crime.
Our K9 Handlers are certified by the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) at a minimum level of Search and Rescue Technician II (SAR Tech II). Our K9’s are NASAR certified as K9 SAR Tech III or higher, or they are in training to reach that level of certification. Our K9s are also certified by the AKC as Canine Good Citizens (CGC).
- Land Command
- The Land Command is used for missing person searches, evacuations, tornadoes, floods, and other disasters. The Land Command has ground search and rescue personnel certified by the National Association of Search and Rescue as Search and Rescue Technicians. Two 4WD vehicles help provide mobility in the field. All ESAR members are encouraged to obtain NASAR certification as a Search and Rescue Technician III (SAR Tech III). Members of the Land Command and the K9 Command are asked to further their education and obtain certification as a SAR Tech II. Training is held regularly to help ESAR members achieve these certifications
o Support Command
- The Support Command helps maintain ESAR vehicles, vessels, equipment and buildings. They keep other commands supplied with the items that we use during a mission, from fuel for the vehicles, to drinks for the searchers, to batteries for flashlights. We have a need for mechanics, construction workers, and members with other abilities who can volunteer their time and knowledge to help keep us operational and ready for service.