Illinois Search & Rescue

Dispatch 855-932-7832 | Information 815-499-9663

What We Do

Wilderness

Our team is equipped to search, manage, or assist in missing incidents with mapping and tracking capabilities to efficiently search and log searched areas. We also have portable repeaters for clear communication.

Water

Our team has multiple boats and trained team members that can assist with searches for drowning victims. We utilize state of the art side scan SONAR and also have a towfish to obtain stable images in deep water. Our ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) allows us to use cameras and SONAR to clear points of interest or make body recoveries in up to 500 feet of water.

Disaster

Our team is available to assist in the aftermath of tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. We can assist with clearing areas and searching for survivors as well as tracking and managing the search and recovery efforts. Our team is trained to use the NIMS framework as well as the FEMA marking system for seamless integration with other teams.

Illinois SAR Team

About Our Team

The Illinois Search & Rescue team was established in April 2017. Our team members are from conservative Christian communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, who are passionate about helping others.

Our goal is to be an effective resource to assist local law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, park services, and other responsible agencies with missing person searches.

We strive to maintain proficiency in our skills and work hard to stay current in training and equipment. Since our team is volunteer based, we do not charge for our services. Our ultimate goal is to show the compassion and love of Christ to people in distress.

Our Equipment

For more information click on pictures

Command Staging Trailer

Outland ROV

Inflatable Boat

Sonar Boat

Klein Towfish

GPS Tracking & Mapping Software

Our Training

Our team works hard to be proficient at what we do. We take our certificates and training seriously and do what we can to increase our knowledge of search and rescue topics. This continued training increases our efficiency and makes our scenes safer for all involved.

All Illinois SAR team members are required to hold the following certifications:

CPR & First Aid  •  State Approved Boaters Safety Course
ICS 100, 200, 700, 800

Many of our team members are certified in the following areas:

Life Flight Safety/Utilization In-Service  •  First Responder Defibrillator
Swift Water Awareness  •  SARTech II

Testimonials

As I prayed – I heard something above me and I called out “I’m down here”. I remember hearing “we’re coming!” and I was ready to keep living. I remember seeing your faces on the hill. It was dark, but your faces shined like beams of light and hope. I can’t express in words to thank you enough for my second chance at living for Jesus.

Thanks again for all you do when people are at their lowest times of their life! I know it was certainly appreciated by the family!!

Thanks to God & you, she was found alive!! There are no words to adequately express our gratitude & appreciation for your amazing work! To God be the glory!! Thank you for helping people in distress all over the world. May God bless you all!

Our Team

Recent Activity & Incidents

Incident LocationOperationTeam(s) InvolvedDates
Sterling, IL (car in water)WaterIL7/19/2024
Sterling, IL (car in water)WaterIL7/5/2024
Sheridan, IL (female)WildernessIL6/26/2024
Freeport, IL (car in water)WaterIL6/26/2024
Rock Island, IL (drowning)*WaterIL6/17/2024
Ottumwa, IA (drowning)WaterMO & IL6/5/2024
Rockford, IL (drowning)WaterIL2/1/2024
Prophetstown, ILWaterIllinoisMay 01, 2023
McHenry, ILWildernessIllinoisApr 23, 2023
Beaver Lake, ARWaterArkansas, Illinois, TennesseeMar 17, 2023 - Apr 09, 2023
Petersburg, ILWaterIllinoisDec 10, 2022
Lake Atitlan, GuatemalaWaterIllinois, PennsylvaniaNov 29, 2022 - Dec 02, 2022
Dixon, ILWaterIllinoisAug 03, 2022
Blue River, WIWaterIllinoisJul 31, 2022
Prophetstown, ILWaterIllinoisJul 10, 2022
Sherrill, IAWaterIllinoisJun 23, 2022
Utica, ILWaterIllinoisJun 12, 2022 - Jun 14, 2022
Sullivan, ILWaterIllinoisMay 14, 2022
Forreston, ILWater/LandIllinoisApr 12, 2022 - Apr 16, 2022
Goshen, INLandIllinois, OhioApr 03, 2022
Wickliffe, KYWaterIllinois, TennesseeMar 05, 2022 - Mar 08, 2022