ABOUT US
Northstar Search and Rescue (NSAR) was founded in 1989 as a 501(c)3, IRS recognized, non-profit, charitable organization. We bring our skills and experience to assist law enforcement in finding and recovering missing persons throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and wherever else we are called out.
We are dedicated to locating missing people and providing training, equipment, consulting, and response through field support, K-9 handler teams and EMS.
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Northstar relies on members that can dedicate their time and resources to the training required to be a professional resource.
Since Northstar is a non-profit, we rely solely on private and corporate donations to enable us to continue to respond to searches. On average, a member spends $3,000.00 a year to participate in SAR. Donations are greatly appreciated.
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Our K-9 teams are trained in urban, wilderness and water search techniques. Each team is responsible for their training and education as we strive to be up to date with the latest in operational procedures. Our trailing, cadaver, and area dogs train weekly to ensure consistent results.
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K-9s used for SAR need to have the physical ability and innate drive to complete the work. Due to the wilderness areas common to Minnesota searches, we recommend using a dog of sporting, working, or herding breed types; although purebred dogs are not required.
Northstar is also active in the community. We conduct educational programs directed toward preventing children and others from becoming lost, as well as, informing them of the best actions to take should they become lost.
Northstar Search and Rescue (NSAR) exists to enhance the search and rescue capability in the state of Minnesota and the five state area; serving communities by supporting local and regional professionals in emergency response.
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Northstar Search & Rescue is licensed by the state of Minnesota as a Medical Response Unit, License# 8636.
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Northstar only responds to requests from emergency services (Law Enforcement agencies, Fire and Emergency Management services) with authority over the incident. Northstar does not self-deploy and there is never a charge for our services. Our members are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.