The mission of the NGFD Search & Rescue Division is to provide swift, skilled, and coordinated response to emergencies that require technical search and rescue. We are committed to saving lives, protecting our responders, and supporting our communities through advanced preparedness and execution.

Our vision is a resilient and ready team capable of responding to the most complex emergencies — from backcountry recoveries to urban disasters — while fostering inter-agency collaboration and building public trust in our specialized capabilities.

The SAR Division responds to a wide variety of scenarios, including:

• Missing person searches in forests, mountains, and remote areas

• Swiftwater rescues in flood-prone or storm-affected regions

• Structural collapse operations following fires or natural disasters

• Technical rescues in confined spaces, cliffs, or trenches

• Support for evacuations during environmental emergencies
  
  

Every SAR call demands precision, endurance, and teamwork — and every responder answers with courage and skill.

The SAR Division utilizes highly specialized equipment, including:

• Drones for aerial mapping and heat detection

• Rope systems and rappelling gear

• Rescue sleds and off-road ATVs

• Swiftwater rescue suits and flotation devices

• Emergency beacon tracking technology
  
  

Our mobile command unit coordinates large-scale operations, deploying with dedicated teams of tech rescue specialists.

SAR works in tandem with:

• Local law enforcement (missing persons, crime scene recovery)

• GCEMS & LifeLight (extractions and medical support)

• North Carolina Park Rangers (wildland coordination)

• Disaster Response Units (earthquake, flood, or storm aftermath)
  
  

Unified command allows SAR to integrate with multiple departments seamlessly.