|
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 and the
2007 cumulative statistics.
|
