Urban Search and Rescue Program (US&R)
The Novato Fire District has several members on the Marin County Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR), which is a specialized team composed of both Fire Department and Public Works Department employees. It is the only urban search and rescue unit in California with crew members from these two departments, trained to work as a single team. The team was created by action of the Board of Supervisors in September 1995 to act as a resource during natural or man-made disasters, including floods, earthquakes, transportation accidents, and collapse of structures including buildings, bridges, trenches and dams.