The Daphne Search and Rescue Unit (DSAR) emerged from a tragic incident in 1974 when a local fisherman drowned in the Mobile Bay. The delayed response from rescue organizations outside of Daphne spurred a group of concerned citizens, many of whom were members of the Daphne Volunteer Fire Department, to take action. They began organizing a small, dedicated rescue team, initially utilizing their personal boats and equipment to provide aid to those lost or stranded in the waters surrounding Daphne. As word of their efforts spread and the need for their services grew, the team expanded its reach beyond the city limits.
Formalized as an independent organization in 1976, DSAR steadily increased its capabilities over the years. They added underwater search and recovery to their skillset in the late 1970s and played a crucial role in responding to major events like the Amtrak train derailment in the 1990s. Today, DSAR covers a vast area, including Mobile Bay, the Five Rivers Delta system, and a significant portion of Baldwin County. They remain committed to their founding principles of providing timely and skilled assistance to those in need, evolving their expertise and technology to meet the ever-changing demands of search and rescue operations.