The New Jersey Initial Response Team

The New Jersey Initial Response Team (NJIRT) is a regional, all volunteer organization based in Sussex County, New Jersey. It provides Search and Rescue (SAR) and specialized rescue resources to local Emergency Services Agencies when requested.

The Team was organized in 1994 as a cave rescue/specialized rescue team and incorporated and became a non-profit, tax-exempt organization in 1995.

During the years that followed, The NJIRT expanded its training base to include all SAR functions, technical rope rescue, as well as swift water and ice rescue operations.

More recently, in 2004, the Team added K9 Search functions, specifically general air scent and cadaver capabilities, and has several search dogs in training with their handlers. 

Mission

The NJIRT's mission is to provide trained and equipped emergency response personnel for SAR situations to any requesting local, state or Federal Emergency Services Agency.

We can provide personnel trained for SAR, SAR management, technical rescue, specialized rescue - including cave rescue, wilderness evacuation, wilderness medical support, swift water and ice rescue support.