About TSAR
Tidewater Search and Rescue Group is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable corporation founded in 1985 and based in Norfolk, Virginia..
TSAR has a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the Commonwealth of Virginia, which affords us the ability to respond independently throughout Virginia and NE North Carolina when requested through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. We can provide incident command, staff, team leadership and clue aware ground search resources for lost or missing person searches in both wilderness and urban settings. We can also be utilized for searches involving downed aircraft throughout Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Our members maintain training, at a minimum, in search tactics/techniques, clue awareness, land navigation and semi-technical rescue to accomplish these missions.
TSAR requires all members keep current certifications in First Aid and CPR. Most members choose to upgrade to Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder. This training and real-world experience allows us to respond to almost any type of incident and provide the care necessary to give our search subject the best chance of survival.
We actively participate in the community by providing Wilderness Safety and Preventive Search and Rescue Education. TSAR presents "Lost but Found, Safe and Sound" training for youth groups and other organizations. This one-hour presentation teaches both the children and the adults of the group what to do if you become separated from each other in the outdoors. We also educate the participants on what is needed for a day in the woods to help keep them safe. This program is free and focuses on youth ages 5 - 12 years old. However, it is informative and available to any age group.
Our membership includes people across SE Virginia from all walks of life, whose careers are varied, and who have different lifestyles and experiences, but who all share a common desire: To help those in need. We are a caring and compassionate group willing to give of our time and personal resources to achieve the task at hand. Membership is open to anyone interested and willing to learn and commit to helping another person.
DONATIONS!
Funding for this organization's operations and training is obtained solely through fundraising, charitable donations, and membership dues. While all personal equipment is bought and maintained by the individual members, we are always in need of additional group equipment such as communications equipment, medical supplies, generators, base support equipment, and office supplies. We are an IRS certified 501(c)3 organization, and copies of our financial report and IRS certification are available on request. If you would like to donate to support our efforts, please contact: The Planning Section Chief.