Idaho Urban Search and Rescue Foundation

The Boise Fire Department Technical Rescue Team continues to establish itself as one of the most respected, most well trained rescue teams in the Northwest. Members are expert in Confined Space, Trench Rescue, Rope Rescue and Structural Collapse. The specialty has taken on even greater significance post 9-11 as the need for urban search and rescue skills is widely recognized as essential in communities of all sizes.

           Established within Boise Fire in 2004: The Boise Fire Tech Team began with several members who saw the need for a specially trained team of firefighters to respond to and assist citizens in need, from construction sites in Boise’s growing downtown to recreationists in the hills and cliffs on the city’s edge. The team began with rope rescue training and partnerships with local businesses that also recognized the teams value and facilitated training, including Micron and United Water. Boise Firefighters began training with the Ada County EMS Special Operations Team, already in existence as a resource for specialized rescues. Several BFD members became instructors for SOT, Idaho Emergency Services Training (EST), and some went on to teach for several nationally recognized programs.

A Regional Rescue Team in 2005: After the attacks of 9-11, financial commitment to emergency services grew, creating opportunities to expand the resources available to Idaho’s Capital City and beyond. Representatives of Boise and Coeur d’Alene Fire approached the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (ID-BHS) with the concept of creating Regional Rescue Teams similar to the already existing Regional Hazardous Materials Team. The State approved of the concept. Three regional teams were created and located in Coeur d’Alene, Boise and eventually a combined Pocatello – Idaho Falls team to cover Eastern Idaho.

Funding for the teams have come mainly thanks to state and federal grant programs: 

Homeland Security Grants (ID-BHS) and  Fire Act Grants (FA)

In addition to grants received ID-BHS also funded the initial core training classes conducted in Boise. These classes were attended by members of all three teams and the participants formed the core of instructors for all the teams. The course conducted included Confined Space, Trench and Structural Collapse.

In 2015 IUSARF was honored to receive grants from FireHouse Subs Public Safety Foundation allowing the purchase of the Amkus Rope Rescue System and Honda generator.  Also a generous donation from Grainger allowing four members of the task force to attend a Search Specialist Course.