TEXSAR

Great group of people! So glad to know Texas has a team like TEXSAR helping our communities!

Following my retirement from a 41 year career in law enforcement and 38 years as an Army National Guard officer, I was looking for an organization where I could volunteer to make a difference in my community and to fulfill my passion for public service. As a resident of Rockport Texas, I became familiar with TEXSAR after our community was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. After further research, I discovered that TEXSAR is an ethical, professional, well trained organization, with high standards. It was the right fit for me. Upon joining TEXSAR i discovered that the organization is full of selfless servants, who care about serving others during the most difficult times in their life. Our members truly believe, and live, the motto of Texans Helping Texans. I am honored to serve as a member of Texas Search and Rescue.

I have worked with TEXSAR for 5 years. The volunteers are some of the most professional and selfless people I have ever met. They strive to maintain high standards to ensure they can support their community to the very best ability. Hands down a phenomenal organization.

8 years ago I was looking for a volunteer search and rescue team to serve with. Thoughts of volunteer search and rescue teams sometimes can bring thoughts of a bunch of old guys with ball caps and hiking sticks beating thru the brush looking for the missing subject. A good hearted group but not the most effective. Immediately when I contacted TEXSAR it was evident that they are professional and the training in a lot of cases, are equal or greater than some paid agencies. Having the proper assets and training make a huge difference when you're out there helping someone who may be having the worst day of their life. With TEXSARs "service before self" attitude and "Texans helping Texans" I am so happy to still be with TEXSAR to this day.

Ksdickson
I joined Texsar in 2017 looking for an opportunity to serve people when they need it the most. This organization is dedicated to the mission of helping people no matter what the situation. The members of Texsar are intentional and purposeful in their preparation and training. Texsar is ready to answer the call! They are mild mannered every day people who can suddenly transition into a focused and disciplined team ready to go where most others would rather avoid. They bring a wide and diverse variety of gifts and expertise that blend together in a cooperative effort to handle whatever the task requires. I have had the blessing and opportunity to work with amazing and honorable people. If you are looking for a place to get involved or just support, this is the organization.

I have been a team member with TEXSAR for almost 3 years now and in that time I have come to realize that the state of Texas has a real gem of an organization ready to answer the call. So many of the team members embody traits of service above self as "Texans helping Texans" when those in need are in their darker days stemming from missing persons to declared disasters. The team bonds more like a family at times, often keeping conversations light given the heavy topics sometimes experienced. The leadership and administrative sides of the organization are also very professional and capable of helping law enforcement and emergency management through avenues of support or expertise they require. I am satisfied with the growth, defined standards, and expectations of the volunteers as "professionals" that TEXSAR brings to the search and rescue incident management and disaster response worlds.

My husband has been a volunteer for Texsar for the last five years and through him I have gotten to learn just how valuable this incredible nonprofit organization is. Texsar is full of highly trained volunteers that are dedicated and often sacrifice their lives to helping others in need. Our family is proud to support Texsar and the amazing work they do.

As a Fire Chief in Central Texas, I have worked and trained with TEXSAR numerous times in the past. They are an excellent professional organization. They assist all over the state during disasters, as well as smaller incidents that meet their expertise.

I worked with TEXSAR as the JP in Hays County when they were recovering decedents from the 2015 Wimberley flood. The more I learned about them, by listening to the LEA and reading about them, I started donating and attending some events. I was nominated to the BOD and could not work with a better, well established, selfless organization. It is a true 5 star volunteer group of people that put their lives on the line and give their time and hearts to any mission they are called upon to assist. I'm proud to be associated with them.

I have never seen such dedicated, trained, knowledgeable team of volunteers. It’s such a joy to work with this organization.

I've been with TEXSAR since it began 8 years ago. It was originally two all-volunteer Search and Rescue teams that came together with about 30 members. Since that time it has grown to over 300 volunteer members with 4 divisions throughout Texas. As the largest search and rescue team in the country, TEXSAR deploys state-wide covering 254 counties and over 265,000 square miles. Their work covers not only ground searches for lost individuals, but swift water and high water rescues, consulting with local law enforcement on missing persons, emergency management, wildland fire support, and logistical support to local, state, and federal agencies. All of this work is accomplished by dedicated individuals who not only volunteer their time, but use their own resources for training, travel, and equipment.

When there is a flood, hurricane, or a missing child, everyone says "I wish I could help". Those with Texas Search and Rescue have made it their mission to train and deploy so they can help others, even when it means using their vacation time from work or being away from their families. They never ask for thanks, but they do need your support.

The pride and professionalism coupled with high expectations and standards attract the very best people to TEXSAR. This organization is where I park my passion where I am able to help my fellow citizens.

TEXSAR is an organization of individuals who are some of the most selfless people I have ever met. Six years ago they helped in so many ways aid authorities in the recovery of 4 of my family members lost in the Wimberley flood. We continue to support TEXSAR in serving other families and communities as they served ours. They truly put Service over Self and we are so grateful.

As a fairly new TEXSAR member I am totally impressed with the dedication, training and commitment of everyone I have come into contact with. They truly live their mission every single day!!

I have been a volunteer with TEXSAR for a couple months now and am very impressed with their professionalism as well as their friendliness. I have learned a great deal from their in-house trainings as well as from their affiliated professional training resources. Their steadfastness in maintaining accurate records, following procedures, and required trainings for milestones and "deployability" make this a stand-out SAR organization. Further, they're friendly! I've made many friends already within the group, even with the measures taken due to Covid. I am looking forward to serving Texas even more through TEXSAR for years to come.

The first 2 points of the TEXSAR mission statement are 1) service above self, and 2 perpetual training. I think that's what sets TEXSAR apart. There is also plenty of opportunity to take on leadership roles at all levels of the organization. I would recommend TEXSAR to anyone looking to serve their community at large.

I have been involved with TEXSAR for 3 years. They truly live up to their moto of "service before self" by always being at the ready to serve their fellow Texans. TEXAR holds itself highly accountable to its donors by being fiscally responsible, to its members by always striving to be the best and to the agencies and communities that we serve by always being ready and always answering the call

I joined TEXSAR a little over a year ago when looking for a way to assist others in difficult times, while cultivating activities that fill my cup and enrich my life.

I became committed to TEXSAR when I witnessed the dedication, professionalism and training that being a member embodied.

I fell in love with TEXSAR when I realized that there is something for everyone in this organization. For me, my passion is horses. When I approached the Board of Directors with my desire to start a mounted search and rescue component to TEXSAR, the idea was met with “YES!”
After months of research, reviews of other MSAR teams, and speaking with other mounted teams across the nation, TEXSAR BOD was presented and they accepted our MSAR guidelines.

TEXSAR provides the opportunity and encourages the learning of new potential life saving skills. Classes provided like Lost Person Behavior, Man Tracking, and Ground Search and Rescue, in addition to being a Critical Care Nurse and equestrian can provide the “groundwork” for me to live a purpose filled life that I strive for.

I have had the honor of being a part of TEXSAR since the Fall of 2017. I had joined to become a part of the K9 team. However, over the past three years I have become a part of much. Our team has many different types of assets including Ground Search and Rescue, Flood and Swift Water team, Rescue Boat Operators, Recovery Dive Team and more. In addition to the many search deployments we go on, we also serve our communities in support roles working with other local organizations in various capacities as necessary. It has not only been an honor to work with my fellow teammates, but a true opportunity to serve, with deepest humility, our neighbors, our communities and fellow Texans during their times of need.

I joined TEXSAR a little over six years ago. It was a going concern then of about 50-70 members and I have happily watched it blossom to now over 450 members statewide. As a Senior, I had hesitated to join because I knew I wouldn’t be helpful in the field but I have stayed very busy as a (hopefully) valuable support person. At the time I joined, everyone else wanted to be in the field so they were happy to have someone taking care of the ‘paperwork’. I have enjoyed taking care of my ‘other family’ and plan to stay with them until I’m no longer able.

With our motto being Service Above Self, we are pleased that each of our members fits into that concept before they even join us: former military and law enforcement, as well as Nurses, EMTs, and Paramedics are those who want to help others and we are very happy they want to be a part of our Team!

While the members are volunteers, we are all professional trained and certified through nationally recognized entities. The caliber of talent is amazing, the dedication is amazing, the members themselves are those with whom you feel comfortable and you feel like you’ve found a lot of friends. I recommend this group to any and all who might be interested in what we do - no experience necessary; seriously, we’ll train you!

TEXSAR is a non-profit organization whose sole goal is to help others. Members are professionally trained and certified volunteers with skills in multiple areas that include, but are not limited to, Ground Search and Rescue, Flood and Swiftwater, and K-9. Many members are EMT's, Firefighters, or Law Enforcement. They bring with them high standards and the understanding of the importance of working as team.

I joined TEXSAR a few months ago. I’m an avid hiker and have some EMT experience, so search and rescue has always been an area of interest for me. TEXSAR is extremely well organized with great resources and thorough training. I’m certain this is an organization I can grow within and will have tangible skills and opportunities to help me serve my community.

TEXSAR has a lot of people who know a lot. I joined TEXSAR to give back to the community in hard times and bad times. Doing calls like Hurricanes or searching for missing people hit hard as we think it's our family. We know where to look and how to do search and rescue. Hurricanes are the hardest knowing thats the water is against you. But we push until we have completed our jobs. We have a lot of volunteers who put millions of hours into TEXSAR and continue to do so. I told all my friends and family "As a first responder my job is to save life and protect the ones in bad times. When a call goes out and I see the email I look and see what details are on it so I know who or what we are doing. A lot of our calls have gone up as the year comes to an end. But my job is to bring the lost home and save the ones who are in danger." TEXSAR also cares for the communities and the state as we all do. With more people and cars, we can get the assets to an Incident or incidents fast and deploy those who are there in those cars to their area we know what will be disaster or help search. #Texsar #TexansHelpingTexans

I join TEXSAR 3 years ago, I’m very proud to serve with a awesome Team of Professionals, after attending my first meeting, i was impressed with the service provided by TEXSAR, and the outstanding Search & Rescue Missions during Hurricane Katrina, TEXSAR is well known throughout the state of Texas, for there call outs and successful missions, i’m very honored to serve with TEXSAR.

I joined TEXSAR a little over four years ago in search to find a team that was committed, professional, and highly skilled where I could really contribute and make a difference. I needed an outlet to give back and at least try to make a difference. I was tired of sitting on the side lines wishing I could do something. From my first meeting I was hooked. I feel I have surrounded myself with the best of the best. As a volunteer with TEXSAR, I've learned so many new skills, helped many people, and made some lifelong friends along the way.

TEXSAR members have a passion for helping others. I am honored to be standing beside them.

I have been a member of TEXSAR for 5 years. The volunteers are well trained and held to high standards of ethical, professional behavior. The management is very experienced and competent. The work done by this organization is extremely meaningful to the families of the missing, to communities in a disaster, and to the governmental agencies that call on TEXSAR for support. I am extremely proud to be associated with this organization.

Texsar is an amazing volunteer organization and exemplifies service above self. Texsar volunteers are dedicated members that want to help Texans in emergencies. Our volunteers put in countless hours, money, and ideas to support these efforts and it shows. Texsar has been an amazing organization to be a part of and support.

TEXSAR is an amazing organization and does tremendous things for the citizens of Texas. I have had the privilege of working with these people and stood along side them through some extraordinary deployments. Phenomenal things are happening in the coming years.

I became involved with Texsar at a fundraiser where I had the opportunity to hear first hand of the difference they make to the people and families that they serve. After hearing about the difference they make and witnessing the passion and dedication of the members I wanted to do my part to help this extraordinary team. They serve our communities with all they have, heart & soul and don’t charge anything. I’d say Texans serving Texans says it all.

TEXSAR is an amazing organization made up of self-funded volunteer first responders. Volunteers donate their own time and money for their own equipment and training to be ready to help others during some of their most dire times of need.

When looking for a quality team of trained professionals to be a part of after i retired from Law Enforcement, i could not have been more blessed to find TEXSAR. The dedication and commitment of the leadership and members is unmatched.

Texans helping Texans says it all. The people on this team give with their hearts, wallets and experience. They give in a way that is meaningful, helpful and deep. The use of every dollar is treated with care and expertise. I could not hold an organization in more high esteem than I do TEXSAR.

I joined TEXSAR three months ago, and have been quite impressed with the quality of people - from top to bottom, that are associated with the organization. They are dedicated to serving, to helping, and to learning and helping others. This represents the best of the best relative to being there for others.

I've been with this organization since it's inception and was part of the predecessor organization. The transformation to what TEXSAR is today has been outstanding. The level of dedication to the community, the team and the citizens of Texas is unparalleled. So many of these numbers give of their time and own money in quantities that far exceed any level of involvement I have ever witnessed in my nonprofit experience. First and foremost it is always about finding that survivor on a rescue or helping the family of the deceased in recoveries. The only thing the TEXSAR team doesn't do well is boast. Local law enforcement/first responders always receive the credit with TEXSAR fully backing and supporting their efforts. The TEXSAR team constantly trains and refines its skills always standing ready when the community calls needing its skill set.

Since I joined 5 years ago I have been so impressed with the dedication, selflessness, and professionalism of the members of this team. Beyond that, TEXSAR's leadership is top-notch, making sure that donated resources are utilized as effectively and responsibly as possible. I am proud to be a lifetime member, and I have been excited to bring some friends alongside me!

IMHO, the professionalism from TEXSAR is unmatched by any other all Volunteer organizations I have known. The dedication and support by all its members make it an honor to be associated with them.

TEXSAR is an amazing group of well trained, selfless volunteers. I hope I never need their services but thank Goodness they are available. Truly a gem for Texans.

Texas Search and Rescue, TEXSAR, is a Texas non-profit with branches in Central, South, North and West Texas, Over 300 members have various certifications in ground search, mantracking, swiftwater/flood rescue and a complete package of K9 disciplines. (over 20 K9's trained or in progress)

I joined TEXSAR 2 1/2 years ago as I was seeking an active and meaningful volunteer opportunity after retirement. I found a growing organization with committed members. And I do mean committed since callouts rarely come during business hours but only at 2AM when it's cold and raining. I exaggerate of course but part of search and rescue is being ready to rapidly deploy when lives are at stake.

Members are business professionals, students, ex-military, first responders and some very very well trained SAR professionals that could write the book.

From the deserts of Big Bend, to wooded surburban areas, to flash food alley and to our hurricane ravaged coast line. TEXSAR members have been making a difference and funding their own substantial equipment and training expenses.

TEXSAR has an outstanding culture of service and members experience is enhanced by the excitement of making a difference. We appreciate your support.

TEXSAR is an invaluable resource to public safety agencies and the citizens of Texas. At no cost to requesting departments, they respond throughout the State of Texas.

This is a exceptional organization. Their professionalism, training and response is top notch. In the short time I have been involved with this organization I have received extensive and useful training that I can use to save lives.

I joined TEXSAR a little over five years ago in a desperate search to find a team that was committed, professional, and highly skilled where I could really contribute and made a difference. As soon as I met this team, I knew I was in the right place. As a volunteer with TEXSAR, I've learned so many new skills, helped many people, and made some lifelong friends along the way.

TEXSAR is made up of great people who have a passion for helping others.

TEXSAR members are all volunteers. During Hurricane Harvey, they worked tirelessly to rescue hundreds of citizens, get them to safety. When others are leaving, TEXSAR members are there to do what is needed. Amazing group of men and women.

"It was a dark and stormy night." That would be a likely description of when a TEXSAR callout occurs. Numerous volunteers from Central, South, West and North Texas take on missions knowing they may be exposed to rough terrain, swift water or other hazards. They answer not only because they enjoy a challenge but mostly to help others that cannot help themselves. I am totally impressed by the commitment and skills of this team.

Texas Search and Rescue is professional, dedicated and absolutely amazing. It is rare to see a group of "volunteers" who are in reality professionally trained first responders. TEXSAR has raised the bar and become an integral part of the emergency plans of the great State of Texas. As a resource, this team can be relied upon for timely, dependable professional response. At no time does TEXSAR charge any fees for their service and members train and equip themselves at their own expense.

Attended a few of the TEXSAR meetings and have found this group committed to make a difference in Texas. This highly trained and skilled team is prepared for search and rescue, swift water rescue and wild-land fires. I am in awe at their constant desire to train so that they can be the best that they can be. They have motivated me to want to become a part of this group.

I have been a TEXSAR member since 2008. The desire to "Make a Difference" drove me to research opportunities and I was fortunate enough to find this organization. While my opinions may be somewhat biased, I do feel that this review comes from a genuine belief of how truly outstanding the TEXSAR organization is.

The professionalism, morals and ethics with the members is without exception top notch. The dedication and commitment to serving the communities of Texas is driven by the member's passion and need to help others.

I have personally experienced multiple rescues that brought loved ones home and recoveries that have helped reach closures for grieving families. In each case TEXSAR's members have selflessly spent many hours, days and even weeks of their personal time.

TEXSAR and its educated and well trained members enable our partner organizations to call upon us to assist them to serve communities across the state of Texas.

I couldn't be more proud to be a part of such a great organization and it's members.

I found Texsar 2 years ago when I was searching for a way to help those displaced by natural or manmade disasters. I found out about Texsar and began my education which included FEMA training and GSAR (Ground Search and Rescue). I have recently expanded my training with Wilderness First Aid and Swiftwater Rescue Technician. I was most impressed by the professionalism of Texsar and the high standard they set for their volunteers. I know I am always working with professionals when I am out in the fired.
I am also impressed by the heart of service evident in the volunteers. I am proud to be a part of this amazing organization. Meg Hinkley

I got involved with TEXSAR in order to fulfill my desire to serve our communities in a grassroots capacity and to sharpen my skills in the emergency management field. I quickly fell in love with the organization and people on the team because of the pure and selfless desire of our team members to serve the communities we live and work in. The work we do is not glamorous and is often physically demanding and dangerous...you volunteer to do this work because you love your community and want to make a difference in that community. That culture is reflected in the attitude of every TEXSAR Team Member and shines through every time we are deployed or participate in a community event. I am honored to serve beside these men and women who all embrace the servant's heart mentality.