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 2013 May 4 & 5 - Illinois Search and Rescue Council Ground Search and Rescue Training - In Joe Davies County, 2 day course, both classroom and field. You can sign up for any of these classes by going to www.illinoissar.org and clicking on the Events Calendar link. Each class will have a hyperlink to the online registration. May 11 - 5pm - POTLUCK at the Pines (Gary McKee's) - Everyone bring your own meat to grill, dish to pass and what you would like to drink. Games, Cards, Bon Fire, etc. PLEASE RSVP to Gary McKee, Larry Dalton or Tena Taylor. (no alcoholic beverages). May 23 - 7pm - Team Meeting - Moose Lodge in Princeton. June 2013 Jun. 4 & 5 - Work Shop - Two day work shop in Des Moines IA, to recruit manage, reward and retain Police and Sheriff Volunteers. Anyone interested contact Larry. Jun. 8 - La Moille Buffalo Days Parade - Anyone interested in participating contact Larry. Jun. 27 - 7pm - Team Meeting - Moose Lodge in Princeton. |
| Click here to see our full Calendar of Events |
2012 Bureau County Commemorative Rifle Drawing |
Congratulations to the 2012 Winner: Tom Vandermore
Larry Dalton (on left), Bureau County Mounted Search and Rescue president shown at ticket drawing. |
Thanks to all that bought tickets! Your support is greatly appreciated. |
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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: Tena Brown Assistant Secretary: Susan Wright |
