Welcome to SEMSAR.  We are a not-for-profit ministry specializing in search and rescue, disaster response, and private and industrial security, with emphasis on the faith-based sector. Our organization is comprised of many different individuals from all walks of life, who evidence a singular desire to assist thier fellow man in times of crisis.  Many of our volunteers come from the public safety professions, and work full careers as police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and hazardous materials technicians.  These are joined by many disciplines of the allied health professions, including doctors, nurses, and several specialized technicians.  We have several miltary specialties in our ranks as well, and are proud to have volunteers serving with us from all branches of the armed services.  While these above listed careers comprise the bulk of our numbers and command staff, SEMSAR is also well-served by a cadre of volunteers with skills in the building trades, transportation, and even heavy equipment.  Skills that are often critical in disaster response.  Lastly, but most importantly, we have a dedicated staff of Christian ministers, available to minister the love of Christ to disaster victims, console grieving families, provide PTSD counseling, and ultimately remind us all as an organization "Why" we do what we do.

The basic idea of SEMSAR, is that of a "para-church" ministry.  Churches in any community are often an untapped reservoir of manpower, skills, and resources.  Throughout history, when disasters strike communities, the local church is often the first to respond with food, shelter, and assistance.  The goal of SEMSAR is to provide the local church with education and a structural framework to maximize response effectiveness. 

SEMSAR is loosely based on a military command structure, with a ranking system similiar to that of the U.S. Army.  Search and Rescue operations, as well as disaster response, require coordinated as well as disciplined efforts.  While this structure serves us well, the ranking structure does not imply any governmental authority.  SEMSAR units will respond to assist local governments, but only in a manpower or advisory capacity.  No SEMSAR unit will ever seek to supplant, interfere with, or in any means undermine the efforts of any public safety agency or governmental authority.