ISAR - Iredell Search and Rescue

09/11/2025

Pretty much says it all........

Today, we pause to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to reflect on the extraordinary courage shown by first responders, volunteers, and everyday citizens who answered the call in our nation’s darkest hours.

For the fire service, 9/11 is more than a date in history—it is a solemn reminder of sacrifice, service, and the responsibility we carry every day to protect our communities. We remember the 343 FDNY firefighters, along with the countless police officers, EMTs, and civilians who gave everything that day.

As we move forward, we continue their legacy by training, leading, and serving with the same courage and commitment. Let us never forget.

09/05/2025

08/28/2025

Bill Nesslar and Nikki Chapman had the privilege of representing ISAR at the Gary Sinise (aka Lieutenant Dan from Forest Grump) Foundation Grant Announcement today at Bethlehem Fire Department. They were joined by Gibson Jenkins, Deputy Chief of ICRS and Justin Pruitt, President of the North Carolina Search & Rescue Advisory Council. Iredell County Search and Rescue (Drone), Bethlehem Fire Rescue (UTV), North Catawba Fire Rescue (Boat), and Burke County Rescue Squad (Rope Rescue Equipment) were recognized and received grant funds for the equipment. A total of almost $150,000.00 was contributed by donors like American Tire Distributors working with the foundation, so please support ATD and other donors that contribute to our communities. Special thanks to Bethlehem Fire Rescue for hosting the event!

08/25/2025

Two ISAR members (Bill Nesslar & Nikki Chapman) had the opportunity this past weekend (Aug 22 - 24, 2025) to attend an Aquatic Incident Management course held in Rowan County. It taught and exposed them to the various aspects of water rescue & recovery. Interestingly, it combined many of the same "tools" such as Caltopo mapping, grid searching and navigational skills required in land searches. It was a great opportunity to make new friends and network with fellow responders from neighboring counties. The class consisted of both classroom time and "on the water" hands on experience. A big shout out to SKS Solutions LLC as they presented the material and really connected well with those attending!

08/17/2025

Last night ISAR - Iredell Search and Rescue received a call requesting assistance for a missing person in Ashe County. Early this morning four of our members loaded up with their gear and headed to the mountains. Throughout the day, members from ISAR worked with several counties from Ashe, Burke, Lincoln, and others to help with search efforts. We would like to thank everyone involved including Ashe County Emergency Management for their continued dedicated support.

06/28/2025

We are participating in the Town of Troutman 4th of July parade today. The turnout is amazing. Come out at 11:00 and show your support and appreciation to all agencies!

05/02/2025

Be on lookout…..

04/28/2025

Please be on lookout..........

04/03/2025

Please be aware…..

⭐UPDATE - FOUND SAFE⭐

MISSING ELDERLY FEMALE
The female Mary Jane Phillips is 73 years old and 5’8 approximately 150lbs. Last seen on Eufola Road, Western Iredell County.

Miss Phillips was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black jacket and black long sleeves she also has gray and white shoes and shoulder length hair.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office currently has drones and bloodhound canines in the area.

Please share this and if you know the whereabouts of Mrs. Phillips, please contact 704-878-3100 or 911.

03/30/2025

03/30/2025

Two ISAR members, Bill Nesslar and Tony Disher, attended the NC Search & Rescue Advisory Council March meeting. Hosted by Hamlet FD, it was a full day of the Council's business meeting in the morning, lunch (provided by Hamlet Rescue and EMS, and then an afternoon of guest speakers. Dr. Amber Watkins with Early Intervention Services spoke on Autism Awareness, Amanda Kempen from Hamlet Senior Center and Teepa Snow with Positive Approach to Care shared about Dementia & Alzheimer's and then Morrisa Moyer from NC State Highway Patrol discussed new capabilities from NC Center for Missing Persons. As Tony said, "it was quite a day"!!