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

  • Staging Signage
  • VHF Radio Comms
  • Equipped for Command or Staging Setup
  • Dry Erase Boards

ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)

  • Up to 500ft operating depth
  • Gemini SONAR
  • Hi-Res Video & Recording
  • Arm for victim retrieval

Inflatable Boat

  • 12′ Length
  • Jet Motor
  • Side Scan Sonar
  • Shallow Draft

Sonar Boat

  • 16′ War Eagle Jet Transom Boat
  • Mercury 80 hp Jet Motor
  • Gemini Side Scan SONAR
  • Shallow Draft
  • Work Platform

Klein Towfish

  • Advanced Imagery Software
  • Stable Image Production
  • 300′ Cable
  • Hi-Res Recordable Imagery

GPS Tracking & Mapping Software

  • Live Tracking
  • Multi-Layer Mapping
  • Op Period Management
  • Input & Export Functions
  • Live Sharable Data

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
Peru, IL (pickup and boat trailer)WaterIL8/27/2024
Roscoe, IL (Alzheimers)WildernessIL8/14/2024
Sterling, IL (car in water)WaterIL7/19/2024
Sterling, IL (car in water)WaterIL7/5/2024
Freeport, IL (car in water)WaterIL6/26/2024
Sheridan, IL (female)WildernessIL6/26/2024
Rock Island, IL (drowning)*WaterIL6/17/2024
Ottumwa, IA (drowning)WaterMO & IL6/5/2024
Decorah, IA (drowning)WaterIL5/20/2024
Rockford, IL (drowning)WaterIL2/1/2024
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