The story unfolds as a headline in the paper or the lead story on the
news. A child is missing, an elderly Alzheimer’s patient has wandered off, a hiker
is lost, leaving behind frantically worried loved ones. When we read or hear about a
crisis unfolding, many wonder if there is something that we could do to help, because
the story touches us personally as we read or hear about it. Sometimes we might even
be moved to call and find out if there is anything we can do.
Before that news story becomes news, there is a group of people, members of our community
that have already prepared themselves to help. Their pagers have already beeped, cell phones
have rung and they have already swung into action. As reporters are scrambling to get the
latest news regarding the crisis, they are the ones setting up the mobile command post,
organizing the overhead team that will manage the search or going into the field as part
of the “hasty search”, the first phase of a series of strategic, methodical,
pre-planned steps in search methodology.
These people are members of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department Search and
Rescue (SAR) Team. They are non-paid volunteers who have the commitment, dedication and
foresight to be of maximum use during times of crisis. Like you, they have families,
work at jobs, attend school and have a life. Like you, they too want to help during times
of crisis, but they have also volunteered their time to be trained and spent their money
on the necessary equipment so that when the need arises, they are ready to act and act
effectively.
The SAR Team receives very little support from taxpayer dollars. This is community volunteerism
at its finest. They do what they do because they want to help, not just feel good help,
but a practical effective effort that is rewarded by the feeling that comes from returning
a lost, terrified child to their frantic parents.
Not everyone can participate as a SAR Team member. Not everyone has the time, nor the
abilities required. However, anyone who wants to can help, also in a very effective
and needed way. By providing financial support to this team, you are enabling them
to do their job. If taxpayers had to bear the cost of what this team provides it would
cost tens of thousands of dollars every year, dollars that quite frankly county government
does not have.
So, the next time you see that headline, hear that news story that touches your heart,
know that there is a way you can contribute. See if this is something you would like to
become involved in, either as qualifying and participating as a member or through providing
financial support for the Team. They have earned my respect and support and I hope you
give them yours.
Whenever you hear that news flash in the future, take comfort in the knowledge that there
is a dedicated, well-trained SAR Team out there… searching.
Bill Cogbill
Sheriff/Coroner
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