The East Penn Technical Search & Rescue Team is a fully insured, volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We are dedicated to working cooperatively with all emergency services & law enforcement agencies to locate lost persons & to provide extensively trained personnel for evacuation or technical rescue operations when necessary. Our organization will also respond to water/ice emergencies, downed aircraft/ELT incidents, technical rope, confined space & structural collapse rescue operations. We are always ready with a quick response to provide equipment & manpower to support your operation.

     Our organization currently has 20 members, most of whom belong to other Fire & Ambulance Companies throughout Monroe & Carbon Counties. We presently have 2 Field Team Leaders, 12 Field Team Members & 8 Search Managers Certified by the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) or the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). All K-9 & Handlers utilized have successfully completed an evaluation & are certified by NASAR and/or the DCNR. Members are also trained & certified by the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in the following areas:

Managing Search Operations, NFA Incident Command System, NIMS, Crime Scene Awareness & Preservation,

Grid Searching, Water/ Ice Rescue, Technical Rope Rescue , Respiratory Protection, Emergency Response

 to Terrorism, Hazmat Operations, Vehicle Rescue, Structural Collapse, Trench Rescue &

Confined Space Rescue.

NIMS Resource Typing Summary

Search and Rescue Resource (ESF #9) Typing

Mountain Search and Rescue Team - Type II

Wilderness Search and Rescue Team - Type III

Radio Direction Finding Team - Type III

Swiftwater/Flood Search and Rescue Dive Team - Type IV

Collapse Search and Rescue Team - Type IV

     In the event you need our assistance, we work under your direction and within your Incident Command System. When called upon, we are capable of assisting other organizations to Manage a Search Operation. Our team will respond to any type search upon the request of an official agency. If you are a Monroe County Fire or Ambulance Station, we may be reached through the Monroe County Control Center; otherwise we may be reached 24 hours a day at 570-656-1209. Please be ready to explain the situation briefly & provide a return phone number for further information & directions. If you or your agency are interested in the type of services we can provide, please enter our emergency dispatch information into your database or resource file. Our services are provided at no cost!

     While our team members give much of their time training & own money for personal equipment to meet State & Federal guidelines, our unit depends upon donations & contributions to remain operational. Contributions to EPTSAR, a tax-exempt Organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible when computing income & estate tax. Please send your donation today & help us to help others!