Who We Are & What We Do
BCMSAR is a trained group of volunteers operating under the Bureau County Sheriff's Office located in Princeton, Illinois. Our group is made up of both mounted and ground search teams who can work either independently or together depending on the situation. Members are trained in current ground and/or mounted search techniques. Many are cross-trained in order to best function in a wide variety of search scenarios. Several members have undergone additional training such as medical, communications, and search management training.
What are the advantages of using trained searchers?
- Trained searchers use specialized search skills that increase their find rate to 85%.
- Trained searchers are knowledgeable in typical lost person behaviors and traits.
- Trained searchers are knowledgeable in crime scene preservation and procedures.
- Trained searchers can search in both wilderness and urban settings.
- Trained searchers practice regularly to enhance their search skills.
What are the advantages of using horses for search and rescue work?
- Horses can travel faster and farther than their human counterparts.
- Horses give their riders a higher viewing platform to search from.
- Horses can transport needed equipment such as medical, block & tackle, litters and radio equipment.
- Horses are very aware of their surroundings and will alert their rider to anything out of the ordinary.
- Mounted searchers can stay out longer and are more rested at the end of a search.
Mission Statement: The primary mission of the Bureau County Mounted Search and Rescue team is to establish a well-trained and fully equipped search & rescue unit capable of assisting in disasters and in locating lost, abducted, or missing persons in Bureau County and surrounding areas in a timely and efficient manner without endangering the searchers or further hazarding the lost person.
| Important Upcoming Events |
May 2012 19th - 20th / Henry County Spring Training, Cambridge - This is an excellent opportunity for both ground and mounted team members to get certified or to simply brush up on your training. Contact Larry Dalton for more details. 24th / 7 pm - Team Meeting - At the Moose Lodge in Princeton. We will be having a special training session during this meeting on Traffic Control. |
| Click here to see our full Calendar of Events |
2011 Bureau County Commemorative Rifle Drawing |
The 2011 drawing was held on December 1st at the Pizza Cellar in Princeton. The winning ticket was drawn by Tracy Brenneman (on left) from the Bureau County Fair. |
Congratulations to the Winner: Malden Fire Department
Larry Dalton (on left), Bureau County Mounted Search and Rescue president, presented the rifle to Travis Rossler. Travis is fire chief at the Malden Fire Department. |
Thanks to all that bought tickets! Your support is greatly appreciated. Check back for details on the 2012 rifle drawing. |
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| Sheriff John Thompson |
BCMSAR |
Sheriff's Liaison Deputy Dan Smith |
| Commander: Larry Dalton Assistant Commander: Dale Smith Treasurer: Janet Smith Assistant Treasurer: Larry Dalton Secretary: Pat Theodore Assistant Secretary: Susan Wright |
