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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, and the
2009
cumulative statistics.
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