The IAFC Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Committee provides leadership and subject-matter expertise on specialized search and rescue operations across the fire and emergency service.
Comprised of experts with local, regional, state, and national US&R experience, the committee works to strengthen coordination, improve resource capabilities, and ensure fire service leaders have a voice in policies and decisions affecting urban search and rescue.
The committee focuses on specialized rescue missions including structural collapse, flood and swiftwater rescue, and operations in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) environments.
Core Responsibilities
Strengthen US&R Coordination
Build connections among local, regional, state, and national US&R teams to improve collaboration, resource sharing, and disaster response.
Advance Standards & Resource Management
Support the standardization, verification, and cataloging of US&R resources and capabilities nationwide.
Advise IAFC Leadership
Provide expertise and recommendations on policies, procedures, and emerging issues affecting US&R operations and the fire service.
Represent Fire Service Leadership
Promote the involvement of fire chiefs in decisions that shape US&R policies, programs, capabilities, and response systems.
Build Strategic Partnerships
Foster relationships across the US&R community to strengthen preparedness and coordination before major incidents occur.
Strengthening the US&R Community
Complex disasters require specialized capabilities and coordinated response across multiple jurisdictions. The committee helps connect the people, resources, and expertise needed to strengthen the nation’s US&R network.
By bringing together experienced rescue professionals and fire service leaders, the committee helps improve preparedness, interoperability, resource coordination, and operational effectiveness for incidents ranging from structural collapse and flooding to complex hazardous environments.
Making a Difference
The committee works to ensure communities have access to capable, coordinated, and well-prepared US&R resources when disasters occur.
Through stronger partnerships, consistent standards, informed policy, and greater visibility for US&R capabilities, committee members help advance responder safety and strengthen the fire and emergency service’s ability to protect lives during complex emergencies.
