Emergency Support Unit
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Emergency Support Unit (ESU) to augment regular emergency management services provided by the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management during periods of actual or threatened emergencies, to conduct search and rescue operations and to assist with public events.
The Emergency Support Unit (ESU) was established in 1951 as an organization of non-paid professionals who commit their time and talent to various rescue and recovery missions, and other community projects that save the city thousands of dollars each year. ESU works closely with Metro departments, such as Police, Fire and Public Works on a wide range of projects including:
Search Operations
ESU provides search teams for lost persons; utilize conventional ground method as well as off road utility vehicles and conduct water search/ recovery operations.
Search and Recovery Divers
The Search and Recovery Divers are one of the groups within the Emergency Support Unit (ESU). The divers are comprised of volunteers who donate their time to perform underwater operations. They are experienced, certified divers who answer the call for divers as requested, twenty-four hours a day. Dive members have donated many hours of service to their community and to the city of Nashville, as well as mutual aid services to agencies outside of our county.
Sonar Operations Team
The Emergency Support Unit within OEM has modernized its sub-surface recovery capabilities and now operates one of the most advanced sonar units made. The Sonar team was established to tackle the special training needed to operate the Marine Sonic Side Scan Sonar unit. The ESU Sonar team uses a Marine Sonic Side Scan 900 kHz tow behind sonar unit.
Severe Weather
Nashville experiences numerous damaging storms which cause havoc in the city. During severe weather, the ESU’s assist with damage assessment, traffic control and debris removal. This minimizes the impact of the storms and hastens a return to normalcy.
Disaster Support
The Emergency Support Unit deploys vital equipment necessary in a disaster situation such as: generators, lighting, four wheel drive vehicles and providing overall support for the emergency operation.
Special Events
The ESU’s patrol the river, and assist with crowd/traffic control at major public events including the July 4th Celebration at Riverfront, Nashville Christmas Parade, Music City Marathon and many more.
Contact Melissa Phillips for more information about the Emergency Support Unit (ESU).
Metro Ordinance 2.10.0400 specifies that: The Emergency Support Unit (ESU) shall be composed of volunteers to augment regular emergency management services provided by the Office of Emergency Management during periods of actual or threatened emergencies, search and recovery operations and public events.