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.
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.
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.
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.
Command Staging Trailer
Outland ROV
Inflatable Boat
Sonar Boat
Klein Towfish
GPS Tracking & Mapping Software
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
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!
| Incident Location | Operation | Team(s) Involved | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling, IL (car in water) | Water | IL | 7/19/2024 |
| Sterling, IL (car in water) | Water | IL | 7/5/2024 |
| Sheridan, IL (female) | Wilderness | IL | 6/26/2024 |
| Freeport, IL (car in water) | Water | IL | 6/26/2024 |
| Rock Island, IL (drowning)* | Water | IL | 6/17/2024 |
| Ottumwa, IA (drowning) | Water | MO & IL | 6/5/2024 |
| Rockford, IL (drowning) | Water | IL | 2/1/2024 |
| Prophetstown, IL | Water | Illinois | May 01, 2023 |
| McHenry, IL | Wilderness | Illinois | Apr 23, 2023 |
| Beaver Lake, AR | Water | Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee | Mar 17, 2023 - Apr 09, 2023 |
| Petersburg, IL | Water | Illinois | Dec 10, 2022 |
| Lake Atitlan, Guatemala | Water | Illinois, Pennsylvania | Nov 29, 2022 - Dec 02, 2022 |
| Dixon, IL | Water | Illinois | Aug 03, 2022 |
| Blue River, WI | Water | Illinois | Jul 31, 2022 |
| Prophetstown, IL | Water | Illinois | Jul 10, 2022 |
| Sherrill, IA | Water | Illinois | Jun 23, 2022 |
| Utica, IL | Water | Illinois | Jun 12, 2022 - Jun 14, 2022 |
| Sullivan, IL | Water | Illinois | May 14, 2022 |
| Forreston, IL | Water/Land | Illinois | Apr 12, 2022 - Apr 16, 2022 |
| Goshen, IN | Land | Illinois, Ohio | Apr 03, 2022 |
| Wickliffe, KY | Water | Illinois, Tennessee | Mar 05, 2022 - Mar 08, 2022 |
Address
PO Box 360
Berlin, OH 44610
Phone
330-893-2428
Email
sar@camoh.org