Midland Co. Search & Rescue

Our club meeting welcomed Kevin Barnum and learned about Midland County Search & Rescue (MCSAR) which is a non-profit volunteer organization aligned with the Midland County Sheriff office that supports search efforts when someone goes missing.  They are equipped to safely locate and assist with stabilization and transportation of missing persons; who are often children, elderly, or suffering from mental illness.

The organization was founded in 2009 and has ~25 trained members, including 3 who are certified as search managers.  The team consists entirely of ground workers who train and work with community volunteers to organize searches in conjunction with various law enforcement agencies.  MCSAR utilizes ham radios for communication and employ GPS, compasses, maps and radios in their searches, always sending 2 volunteers together with a strategy factoring in area routes and potential destinations.  They can be supported by other agencies with drones and canines.

Early reporting of missing persons is critical to reduce the search field, and many individuals are located within ~300 meters of their last known whereabouts.  MCSAR promotes the ‘Hug a Tree and Survive’ safety education message designed to teach children to stay put and wait for help if they get lost in the woods since it is harder to find a moving person.

MCSAR does not receive any government funding, relying entirely on donations to cover their costs - https://www.midlandsar.org/