UNIFIED FIRE SEARCH & RESCUE
SEARCH * RESCUE * RECOVERY
About Us
Unified Fire Search and Rescue has its roots traced back to its inception as an integral part of the Dellroy Fire Department, situated in Carroll County, Ohio. In 2023, the Search and Rescue Component formally separated from the fire department and established itself as an independent nonprofit under the name Dellroy Fire Search and Rescue, attaining 501(c)(3) status under the IRS code. As our mission and reach continued to grow, the need for a name that better reflects our broader capabilities and collaborative efforts—both regionally and nationally—led to the transition to Unified Fire Search and Rescue—a name that embodies our commitment to coordinated search, rescue, and recovery operations across the United States.
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Our accomplished team is a seamless combination of dedicated firefighters, skilled first responders, and law enforcement professionals from different areas throughout the United States. This diverse collection of expertise equips us to effectively respond to a spectrum of challenges regardless of size or incident type.
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Our operational scope spans a wide spectrum, encompassing local incidents, regional crises, and even nationwide disasters. We possess the capability to deploy our resources effectively at local, regional, and national levels, ensuring a comprehensive response to diverse scenarios.
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At Unified Fire Search and Rescue, our mission is underpinned by unwavering professionalism, a commitment to excellence, and an abiding dedication to serving our communities in times of need.
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Whether it pertains to search and rescue operations or K-9 recovery missions, our team is equipped with the essential tools and training required to successfully accomplish the task at hand.
We collaborate closely with local, state, and federal authorities, as well as various agencies and emergency managers, fostering strategic alliances to optimize our capacity in delivering proficient Search, Rescue, and K-9 Human Remains Detection capabilities.
We believe in assisting local resources, not draining them. Therefore, we do not charge for our services and are entirely self-supported during deployments.
K-9 Human Remains Detection
Our K-9 component is certified in Human Remains Detection by both the International Police Work Dog Association and NNCDS (National Network of Canine Detection Services).
Supplementing the certifications held by our K-9 team, our K-9 handlers also hold certifications in Crime Scene Preservation, as well as proficiency in both K-9 and Human First Aid. Our K-9 team engages in substantial partnerships with various local and regional fire and sheriff departments,not only in Ohio but also across the broader United States. Our robust training regimens and firmly established protocols enable us to operate seamlessly within a Unified Command structure, whether in collaboration with other agencies or independently, even in demanding and diverse environmental settings.
Certifications
NIMS was developed by the Secretary of Homeland Security at the request of the President and integrates effective practices in emergency preparedness and response into a comprehensive national framework for incident management. NIMS enables responders at all levels to work together more effectively to manage domestic incidents no matter the cause, size, or complexity.
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In addition to the numerous team training requirements and certifications, all team members are required to obtain specific FEMA certifications that allow integration as a single resource or as part of a larger operational assignment within NIMS (National Incident Management System):
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IS-100.c Basic Incident Command System
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IS-102.c Preparing for Federal Disaster Operations
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IS-200.c Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
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IS-244.b Developing and Managing Volunteers
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IS-700.b National Incident Management System
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IS-800.d National Response Framework
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IS-909 Community Preparedness
Furthermore, team members (non-medical) must obtain CPR/First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogen, and Crime Scene Preservation certifications in addition to any specific individual specialty certifications (Fire Fighter, EMT, etc.).
Chief Hatfield - Jefferson Davis Fire Department District #5
"On behalf of my department we would like to thank you and your firemen for all of the assistance given to us during Hurricane Laura. This event was the largest natural disaster to ever hit our area.
No words could ever be enough to show our gratitude for everyone's help and support. If there is ever a way for us to return the assistance in any way please call on us, we may not have the number of personnel you have but we will send whatever we can.
Please thank all of the personnel that came to our assistance, all of the firefighters were very professional and embody everything that Fire Departments should. Please extend a special thank you to Miss Ellie Mae (K-9) for all of her tiresome work put in here during the search and rescue operations."
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Walt Wilson - Tuscarawas County Sheriff
"Thank you for your recent participation in the search for a missing person in our county. We truly appreciate your prompt response to our request for assistance.
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We appreciate that they were willing to travel some distance to come to our area to assist us in conducting a more extensive search for the missing person. We were impressed with the professionalism of all the participants and especially with how well the dogs reated to the conditions. Obviously, they are very well trained and their owners should be commended."
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Ronald D. Ward - Highland County Sheriff & Floyd Beckman - Rocky Fork Lake Park Manager
"We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation to you and your organization for coming to Highland County recently to assist us in the recovery efforts of a drowning victim at Rocky Fork Lake.
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The information provided by your canine units and the interpretation by your highly skilled handlers provided to be an important tool in the ultimate recovery of the body."
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