Primary Specialty: Team Leader
Secondary Specialty: Bushcraft & Survival Instructor
Quals: SRT2, TRT2, SWF2

Andrew Herrington is the founder and team leader of BUSAR, bringing nearly two decades of search and rescue experience in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A wildlife ranger, former backcountry law enforcement ranger, and wildland firefighter, Herrington has built BUSAR around practical field experience, disciplined training, and a strong culture of teamwork and service. His operational background includes backcountry search and rescue, land navigation, tracking, swiftwater operations, wilderness survival, hunting and trapping operations, and wildland fire response.

Raised between Australia and Tennessee, Herrington developed a deep connection to the outdoors early in life through wilderness travel, scouting, and remote backcountry experiences. A near-fatal rescue as a teenager helped shape his commitment to emergency response and public safety. In addition to leading BUSAR operations and training, he also teaches wilderness survival, navigation, and fieldcraft instruction through Big Pig Outdoors.

Herrington was recognized for the creation and leadership of BUSAR with the National Park Service Search & Rescue Award. He also received the Department of the Interior Valor Award for his role during the Gatlinburg Firestorm and was named a Tennessee Conservation Hero for his contributions to conservation and public service.