State Urban Search & Rescue Alliance
About SUSAR
The State Urban Search & Rescue (SUSAR) Alliance aims to enhance the search and rescue capabilities of resources across the country and the world, regardless of agency affiliation. The organization strives to promote knowledge sharing and learning from each other to continuously improve response capabilities. It also explores ways to collaborate and respond more efficiently.
The Alliance is committed to supporting preparedness and operational response standards that push the boundaries of capability with efficiency in mind. It also aims to educate and support the development of new resources and capabilities within communities for disaster search and rescue operations.
SUSAR seeks to establish partnerships with all stakeholders, including military partners, manufacturers, and vendors who develop products to enhance the performance capability of US&R resources. The Alliance also aims to create a mechanism for communication with each other to continually improve the service provided by all.
Get Involved
National US&R Conference
The National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Conference is the premier annual assembly of rescue professionals from around the world to enhance disaster search and rescue programs. The conference provides a range of pre-conference courses, as well as three days of sessions covering all aspects of disaster search and rescue. The conference serves as a platform to share best practices and build a network of dedicated professionals from around the world who are working together to improve the US&R community globally.
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Individual & Team Membership
Corporate membership is available in a non-voting role to industry partner who manufactures, sells, or provides services to the US&R Community. Corporate Membership is included in sponsorship of the National Urban Search and Rescue Conference but is also available for those unable to attend the conference.
Corporate Support & Membership
Individual Membership is included with attendance to the annual National US&R Conference. For those unable to attend, an Associate Membership can be purchased annually. Team Memberships are also available for US&R Teams.
2026 National US&R Conference
November 16-18th - Orlando, Florida
Preconference - November 12-15th
The 2026 National US&R Conference will be November 16-18th in Orlando, Florida, with pre-conference courses being held November 12-15th. Additional details on specific speakers, registration information, as well as the pre-conference course schedule will be announced soon!
The 2025 keynote speaker was Mr. Winston Chang who recently retired as the global lead for UN INSARAG with over 30 years of dedicated service to emergency services around the globe.
The National Urban Search & Rescue Conference is the premier annual assembly of rescue professionals from around the world to enhance disaster search and rescue programs. The conference provides a range of pre-conference courses, as well as three days of main and breakout sessions covering all aspects of disaster search and rescue.
Attendees talking with Deployed Logix, exhibitor at the 2024 Event.
Mr. Fred Endrikat, FEMA US&R Branch Chief (Ret.)
speaking at the 2024 National US&R Conference.
2025 Event Highlights:
The 2025 National US&R Conference had a record attendance of 812 US&R professionals from across the United States, Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico as well as Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
There were 52 exhibitors from across a wide range of backgrounds in the global US&R community to include: equipment sales, training, service, logistical support, and manufacturing.
There were 74 unique sessions for attendees across a wide range of topics from disaster rescue and medical operations, logistical considerations, emerging technologies, program development and management, to lessons learned from recent disasters.
We hope to see you in 2026!