TSAR focuses on specialized rescue operations, including assisting with technical missions before, during, and after severe storms
In Hillsborough County, where diverse terrain ranges from expansive waterways to muddy swamplands, Tactical Search and Rescue (TSAR) teams play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
These highly trained professionals, led by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR), are equipped to handle a wide range of emergency situations, often involving complex and dangerous environments.
TSAR's professionals work with the Hillsborough County Public Works Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), and TECO.
TSAR teams are integral components of the County's broader emergency response capabilities. To assist in TSAR operations, HCFR recently expanded their water rescue capacity with the acquisition of four SHERPS.
These units, capable of navigating difficult terrain and high water, proved to be instrumental following the flooding caused by Hurricane Milton.
Hurricane Helene deployment
Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented flooding in Hillsborough County in September 2024. Town 'N Country was especially hit hard, with storm surge inundating multiple neighborhoods as the hurricane passed offshore on its way to landfall in Florida's Big Bend area.
TSAR was called into action when nearly 300 residents needed assistance evacuating their homes after up to three feet of water prevented them from leaving. Five TSAR marine units consisting of boats and inflatable skiffs were used to ferry passengers from their homes to safety over the course of several hours.
Going where others cannot
Because TSAR is equipped to travel through extreme terrains or water-logged areas, teams are often called to perform welfare checks after major storms.
Following severe flooding in 2024, TSAR was deployed to assist hundreds of individuals that got stranded in their homes as a result of not heading evacuation orders. Teams also assisted with medical calls in high-water conditions.
TSAR also makes it possible so others can remain mobile in emergencies. For example, teams devote endless hours clearing roads of fallen trees and powerlines before and after storms.
These missions are crucial to ensuring residents can swiftly and safely evacuate. It also allows for fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency and law enforcement personnel to get to where they need to be without dangerous road obstructions slowing them down.
Strike teams
When a disaster hits outside of Hillsborough County, TSAR may be called to deploy a strike team. Strike teams function as emergency response crews for nonlocal disasters.
Several years ago, when hundreds of acres of forest caught fire in Ocala, strike teams and a water tanker were deployed to assist with containing the blaze.
Don't make TSAR save you
Whether responding to brush fires, providing medical support in inaccessible areas, or working with partners to address fallen trees and powerlines, Hillsborough County's TSAR team remains dedicated and prepared.
The brave and committed individuals that make up TSAR also hope that members of the community remain prepared, too.
If an evacuation order is issued for an area prior to a storm, it's crucial that residents follow the directive. Doing so ensures that people remain safe. It also ensures that TSAR teams do not risk their own personal safety and well-being to rescue those that did not follow evacuation directions.
This story is part of Hillsborough County's 50-for-50 Series, a historic review of some of the memorable events, dates, and people in the history of Hillsborough Fire Rescue, which was born on Aug. 27, 1973.
Want to know more? Read additional stories that show the growth, bravery, and specialized operations of Hillsborough County's largest department.