Mission Statement

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Founded in 2015, Rescue 101 Search and Rescue (SAR) is a veteran-led, volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through professional search, rescue, and disaster response operations. Headquartered in South Salem, Ohio, our team serves communities across the state and throughout the region — answering the call when others are in need.

Built on the principle of service before self, Rescue 101 SAR operates under the motto:
“Always Vigilant. Ready for Anything. So Others May Live.”

Our members come from diverse backgrounds, including emergency medical services, fire and law enforcement, military, and civilian professions, united by a shared commitment to serve their communities. Through extensive training, teamwork, and readiness, Rescue 101 SAR provides specialized capabilities such as Ground Search & Rescue, K9 Search Teams, UAV Operations, Water & Dive Rescue, Disaster Response, and Technical Rope Rescue.

In addition to emergency operations, our organization is deeply committed to community education, preparedness, and outreach. We believe that by teaching safety and prevention, we can reduce the need for rescue and strengthen community resilience.

Rescue 101 SAR remains 100% volunteer-operated, relying on the dedication of its members and the generosity of donors, sponsors, and partners who share our mission to bring the lost home and bring help to those who need it most.

Rescue 101 Search and Rescue operates under a structured Incident Command System (ICS), ensuring clear leadership, accountability, and coordination during missions, deployments, and training operations. This system mirrors the framework used by local, state, and federal emergency response agencies, allowing Rescue 101 SAR to seamlessly integrate into multi-agency operations when requested.

Our leadership team provides both strategic direction and operational oversight, ensuring every mission is carried out safely, efficiently, and in alignment with our core values: Integrity, Service, and Professionalism.

Command Staff

• Chief Operations Officer - Andrew W. Surritt III
  Serves as the organization’s chief executive and primary Incident Commander. Oversees all operational, administrative, and strategic initiatives for Rescue 101 SAR. Responsible for coordination with partner agencies, emergency management, and board governance.

• Deputy Chief of SAR Operations - Joshua Jordan
  The Deputy Chief of SAR Operations oversees all field search and rescue activities, ensuring that missions are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Rescue 101 SAR standards. This position provides direct supervision of the Ground, K9, UAV, Dive, and Technical Rope Teams, coordinating mission planning, resource deployment, and inter-agency cooperation. The Deputy Chief ensures operational readiness, manages on-scene command assignments, and maintains mission documentation through the ICS framework.

• Deputy Chief of Disaster Operations - Appointment Pending
  The Deputy Chief of Disaster Operations leads Rescue 101 SAR’s disaster response and recovery missions, including chainsaw teams, debris removal, supply distribution, and humanitarian assistance. This position coordinates with local and state emergency management agencies during incidents such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and other large-scale emergencies. The Deputy Chief ensures that deployment teams are self-sustaining, properly equipped, and mission-ready for immediate activation under EMAC or mutual-aid agreements.
  
• Deputy Chief of Medical Operations - Nathaniel Lee
  The Deputy Chief of Medical Operations oversees all medical and EMS functions within Rescue 101 SAR, including field medical response, training compliance, and coordination with allied health agencies. This position ensures that all rescuers maintain current certifications, medical supplies and equipment are maintained to standard, and austere medical operations are performed safely and effectively. The Deputy Chief provides medical oversight during missions and advises command on responder health, safety, and rehabilitation.

• Deputy Chief of Finance - Open
  The Deputy Chief of Finance manages the financial integrity of Rescue 101 SAR. Responsibilities include budgeting, expense tracking, grant management, and ensuring compliance with nonprofit and federal accounting standards. This position prepares financial reports for the Board of Directors, assists in fundraising oversight, and supports transparency in all fiscal matters related to mission operations and public donations. 

• Deputy Chief of Training - Open
  The Deputy Chief of Training is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating all Rescue 101 SAR training programs. This position ensures that all members meet FEMA, NASAR, and Rescue 101 standards for competency and safety. The Deputy Chief coordinates internal courses, outside certifications, drills, and annual exercises, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development across all divisions and Explorer programs. 

• Deputy Chief of Administration - Open
  The Deputy Chief of Administration oversees the administrative and organizational support functions that keep Rescue 101 SAR operating smoothly. This includes membership management, records, communications, human resources compliance, and documentation. The Deputy Chief ensures accurate record-keeping, maintains policy and procedure archives, and supports the Executive Director and Board with organizational reports, correspondence, and official documentation.
   
• Command Chaplain - Richard Fannin
  Provides emotional and spiritual support to team members and their families, both during and after critical incidents. Plays a vital role in member wellness and resilience.
   

Region Captains

Rescue 101 Search and Rescue’s Region Captains serve as the direct link between Command Staff and field members within their assigned geographic areas. Each Region Captain is responsible for overseeing day-to-day readiness, communication, and coordination of personnel and resources across their region.

Their primary duties include ensuring team availability, supporting mission activations, maintaining regional training schedules, and fostering interagency relationships with local emergency management, fire, and law enforcement partners.

Region Captains play a vital leadership role in maintaining Rescue 101 SAR’s operational reach across multiple counties and states. They ensure that when emergencies arise, trained and equipped teams can respond rapidly — unified under one standard, one mission, and one commitment

Lieutenants 

Lieutenants serve as essential field leaders within Rescue 101 Search and Rescue, bridging the gap between Team Members and Command Staff. Each Lieutenant provides direct supervision during missions, deployments, and training operations, ensuring that objectives are met safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Rescue 101 SAR standards and protocols.

Working under the direction of a Region Captain, Lieutenants coordinate small-unit operations, manage task assignments, monitor team welfare, and ensure accountability for personnel and equipment. They also play a key role in mentoring newer members, reinforcing the organization’s culture of professionalism, safety, and service.

Rescue 101 SAR Lieutenants embody the organization’s values of Leadership, Integrity, and Readiness — serving as the first line of command in the field and ensuring that every mission upholds our commitment to saving lives and serving communities.

The Board of Directors of Rescue 101 Search and Rescue provides the strategic oversight, governance, and accountability that guide the organization’s mission and ensure its long-term sustainability.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Rescue 101 SAR operates under the direction of its Board, which is responsible for upholding the organization’s values, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and safeguarding the integrity of our operations and finances.

Purpose and Responsibilities

The Board’s primary responsibilities include:

• Establishing and upholding the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Providing fiscal oversight and approving the annual budget.
• Supporting organizational growth through fundraising, partnerships, and community engagement.
• Ensuring ethical standards, transparency, and compliance across all programs and operations.
• Appointing and evaluating executive leadership, including the Chief Operations Officer / Executive Director.
   

Composition

The Board is comprised of dedicated individuals representing diverse backgrounds in public safety, emergency management, nonprofit administration, finance, and community leadership. Each member brings unique expertise to strengthen Rescue 101 SAR’s mission and support the volunteers who make it possible.

Commitment to Service

Board Members serve on a voluntary basis, contributing their time, experience, and leadership to ensure that Rescue 101 Search and Rescue remains “Always Vigilant. Ready for Anything. So Others May Live.”

Their work ensures that every donation, partnership, and deployment reflects the highest standards of professionalism, fiscal responsibility, and compassion for the communities we serve.