SELSAR was conceived in early 1982, and first tested following some major flooding in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. A few government officials realized then that a tremendous resource of emergency personnel and equipment existed within government entities if they could be identified and coordinated. Based on that recognition, officials from all levels of government began meeting to develop these resources, aiming primarily at SEARCH AND RESCUE. Meetings continued for the next one and one-half years, with more agencies attending and offering their services.

By mid 1985, the organization had registered a very large inventory of personnel, equipment and resources, built a management and organizational structure and completed a member roster of names, addresses and telephone numbers. A chairman and vice-chairman were elected, who then appointed personnel to act both as Board Members and committee heads (with assistants), of the various resource sections (i.e.. aircraft, diving, marine, training, communications, land vehicle, medical, hazardous material, and public information). Most importantly, written agreements were completed with the U.S. Coast Guard Group New Orleans and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. These agreements provide the backbone for the organization's call out procedures.

Each agency was sent an equipment/personnel availability list to complete, and, upon its return, it was obvious a wealth of knowledge, skills, and equipment was available. There are instructor qualified personnel in aviation, diving, marine, and training. Other areas of expertise include legal, medical, hazardous material and specialized equipment usage. All of this is contained within SELSAR and can now be deployed much faster, with the call out authority knowing exactly what is being sent and the capabilities of both the equipment and personnel. SELSAR extends these talents to other groups which may wish to receive instruction in these certain areas.

The geographic location of SELSAR is somewhat unique in that it, for the most part, is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard, encompassing two large lakes and many navigable waterways. This situation was very good for cases, as it was natural that they would act as our call out point and case manager. All member agencies were urged to obtain marine radios for coordination, thus eliminating the problem of everybody being on different radio frequencies. Another advantage is that it provides the Coast Guard with an organized resource when their forces are exhausted.

One of the most beneficial by-products of the organization is that it brought these entities together, sharing their information and resources, and understanding how each agency operates and their restrictions. This is critical, as it provides for a much more efficient use of resources, and saves valuable TIME and LIVES. The member agencies of SELSAR disregard jurisdictional boundaries. The man power and equipment is sent wherever it is needed during times of emergency. The concept of governmental entities working together and sharing resources has proven to be a very good one. The key to the success of SELSAR is the dedicated effort by virtually every member, and the support given the membership by the department heads of the agencies involved. Another unique feature of the organization is, it has existed since 1983 without the need for dues or any other type of funding.

The encouragement and support given by the Commander of the United States Coast Guard Group New Orleans, the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and the elected Sheriffs of Southeast Louisiana, is the primary reason that SELSAR exists today. FEDERAL, STATE, and LOCAL governmental entities, as well as PRIVATE INDUSTRY, working together, to respond to the emergency needs of the people of Southeast Louisiana in a more efficient and effective manner is what the organization is about.

Due to the increased interest in SELSAR by the private sector (i.e. industry, EMS, transportation companies, etc...), the membership voted in 1988 to incorporate as a non-profit corporation. Our 501 Federal Tax status affords advantages to private concerns wishing to contribute funds and/or equipment to our organization.

SELSAR has received awards of OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF SEARCH AND RESCUE from the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association (LEPA) and the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR).

The membership of SELSAR is very proud that the concept started here, and delighted that other parts of the country are now following our lead by establishing similar organizations in their areas.