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Mission
To have a trained team of
volunteers to perform search and rescue of persons, assist in the
recovery of bodies, assist Law Enforcement with evidence recovery, and
promote safety.
History
- February
1993 – Pat Culhane and Jay Grandprey agree to start dive
team as a result of drowning incidents in the area.
- April
1993 – Watertown Emergency Services accepts proposal
promoting concept of Search & Rescue team.
- May
1993 – Search & Rescue team organized. Grant equips
team with dry suits.
- June
1993 – Codington County agrees to sponsor Search
& Rescue team under Emergency Management. Watertown City
Council agrees to support team efforts.
- July
1993 – By-Laws written, training begins, board members
elected.
- October
1993 – Area merchants purchase 6 pagers for team.
- December
1993 – Donations purchase 4 complete sets of dive gear
for team.
- February
1994 – Donation purchases inflatable boat and 25 HP
motor.
- March
1994 – Donations purchase underwater communications
equipment.
- April
1994 – Fundraiser to pay for Dive Rescue International
training.
- May
1994 – Sheriff’s Department transfers GMC Jimmy to
Emergency Management for Search & Rescue team use.
- January
2005 – Search & Rescue Endowment Trust Fund
established through Watertown Community Foundation.
- July
2006 – Search & Rescue Support, Inc., a tax exempt
501(c) (3) public charity, was established as a fund raising arm for
the team.
- Present
– Codington County Search & Rescue has continued to
grow through funding from Codington County, City of
Watertown, Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown United Way,
Thrivent for Lutherans, Search & Rescue fundraisers, and various
private donations from the community and the surrounding area.
To
view the previous impact Search & Rescue has had on our collective
communities please check out the 2006 cumulative statistics,
2007
cumulative statistics,
2008
cumulative statistics,
2009
cumulative statistics,
2010 cumulative statistics, 2011 cumulative statistics,
and the
2012 cumulative statistics.
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