For the last year and a half the Sheriff’s Office has been working to establish a Water Search & Rescue unit.
Last year a boat was located and purchased from state surplus property, at an extremely discounted price. Over the last several months, the Sheriff’s Office has been able to reach out to other agencies with water search and rescue units, and conducted extensive research, to obtain the correct equipment. All equipment for the Water Search & Rescue team, and the boat itself, has been purchased through grants and/or donations from the community.
Over the past year, personnel have been training on local bodies of water to get comfortable with the boat and trained on its operations, as well with getting familiar with the bodies of waters themselves.
Last week, core members of the team attended training on the Missouri River put on by Trident Rescue LLC. After completing the training, those members are now certified in Boat Rescue Technician, including FEMA Standards for Waterborne SAR Team, Boat Operator, Swift water/Flood SAR Technician- Boat Operator & Bowman.
The Water Rescue Team is a resource, not only Bates County citizens, but any agency around us for an emergency response.
“I am proud of the staff who puts in the time and effort to continue to serve the citizens of Bates County and those around us.” says Sheriff Anderson.
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