Search and Rescue

G

Gautier

Joined
Aug 31, 2006
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461
Talked to the Lt. Cmdr. of the local SAR team today, and asked him a few questions and we BS'd for a while. Long story short, he's now going to sponsor me to join the county's search and rescue group.
Naturally, I'll have to go through all the background checks, and what not, but I figure it'll be a fun and worthwhile experience and a chance to give back to the community. I've already got the gear required and the spare time, and prior training in ropework and stabilizing injuries courtesy of Uncle Sugar.

I figure, that I spend all my time outdoors goofing off and tracking anyway, might as well do it for a good reason. Besides, even in retirement there are only so many "projects" I can come up with to keep me busy and from going stir crazy. Training, and meetings and such would help fill up some of the time I'd otherwise be wasting and will keep me busy for a good cause.

A little off topic, but I thought I'd share. Maybe some of you SAR folks could share some of your experiences and stories that reaffirmed your decision to help your community, made ya feel good, or were just plain fun.


Gautier
 
Know your limits physically.

Commit 100% or dont bother.

Be willing to train and learn without being a know it all.

It is a brotherhood of sorts and is very rewarding.

Make no mistake it can be very sad and draining dealing with family, media and death, prepare yourself for this.

All that said it is very fun much of the time if you are not afraid of hard work. Kudos to you helping your community and not just being a taker.

Throw yourself into it fully you wont be disappointed.

Skam
 
Kudos to you.
I'd love to do the same, it has been a dream of mine. Unfortunately I'm on the road too much.
Do it, do it well!
 
Follow the chain of command. Dont do anything without being told to, those with tenure/seniority hate self thinkers. Prepare to deal with your current workplace, a lot of employers take a very dim view to you leaving halfway thruout the day to go on a search. Some are fine, most in my experience are not. Prepare to deal with your own family if you are on a lot of late evening/overnight searches.

Other than that have fun.
 
Well, being retired now, the only boss I have to worry about is the wife, and she's just happy to get me out of the house. :D I'm actually looking forward to it, always willing to learn a bit more and they seem like a good group of guys. Looking forward to being useful again, instead of an old fart just puttering around the house. :o


Gautier
 
Gautier said:
Well, being retired now, the only boss I have to worry about is the wife, and she's just happy to get me out of the house. :D I'm actually looking forward to it, always willing to learn a bit more and they seem like a good group of guys. Looking forward to being useful again, instead of an old fart just puttering around the house. :o


Gautier
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I am suffering serious envy problems right now. I wish I could change places with you.
Great attitude, you will do well!:thumbup:
 
Hi,

Just be prepared to "work" at all hours and in all weather. The rewards can be great. There isn't any feeling as good as being successful and making that difference in someones life. There is also no feeling like failure. Be ready for that.

Last search I was on, was about a year and a half ago. Late night, mid-winter. We were to look for a small child in a small town. We found him sound asleep in a pile of clean clothes in the laundry room.:thumbup::D

dalee
 
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