Our team is equipped to search, manage, or assist in missing person incidents with mapping and tracking capabilities to efficiently search and log searched areas. We also have several communication options that include stationary and portable repeaters for clear communication in remote areas. Our team also utilizes advanced drones with cameras and thermal capabilities.
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 Pennsylvania Search & Rescue team was established in August 2017. Our team members are from conservative Christian communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland, who are passionate about helping others in time of need.
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.
Sonar Boat
Command Trailer
Staging Trailer
Klein Towfish 4900
Inflatable Boat
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 Pennsylvania SAR team members are required to hold the following certifications:
• CPR & First Aid
• State Approved Boaters Safety Course
• ICS 100 & 700
• SAR Tech II
Many of our team members are certified in the following areas:
• Firefighter
• EMT
• Amateur Radio Operator
• Pennsylvania Water Rescue for First Responders
Thank you for giving the family peace in knowing that he has been found.
Thanks for a wonderful and amazing job. Such dedication is rare, there are no words for it.
In my experience with Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue, their team demonstrated great technical competence. In working with the members of the organization, they encompass high SAR skill sets. I have a high level of confidence that they are able to perform the duties required of them in a SAR response. Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue has a focus of continued education and a strong knowledge base of SAR related topics. In addition, the team’s members are coupled with a broad range of civilian employment and certifications that compliment a well-rounded SAR professional. They ensure each team member meets a list of standards to ensure all personnel are qualified. Recently I evaluated many members of the team for a SARTECH II certification from the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR). They received outstanding scores at this test and performed in the top of classes I have ever evaluated. I have no doubt in my mind Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue will do all that is required of them in a SAR request.
This past week Crawford Scuba has been activated for two separate drownings. During both incidents, we were able to help provide some degree of closure to the families due to Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue Team. Crawford County is incredibly fortunate to have a branch of this team housed in the county and we have been working with this team for little over a year. In both incidents this week the Christian Aid Ministries Team identified targets through side scan sonar that resulted in recovery. Early in the week our team made the recovery and most recently Jamestown over the weekend. The value of this organization to our region is immeasurable and we are thankful for a great working relationship with the CAM team.
As Incident Commander, I want to pass on my personal thanks to the entire team. Your professionalism, dedication and spirit were clear to everyone. Your work was excellent and you should be proud to be part of the team who successfully brought this man home to his family. Thank-you all again for your support.
| Dates | Incident Location | Operation | Team(s) Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 02, 2023 | Venango, PA | Wilderness | Pennsylvania |
| Jul 26, 2023 | Townville, PA | Wilderness | Pennsylvania |
| Jul 20, 2023 | Myerstown, PA | Wilderness | Pennsylvania |
| Jun 18, 2023 - Jun 25, 2023 | Lake Crescent, WA | Water | Pennsylvania |
| May 17, 2023 - May 23, 2023 | Oyster Bay, NY | Water | Ohio, Pennsylvania |
| May 09, 2023 - May 11, 2023 | Babylon, NY | Water | Pennsylvania |
| May 03, 2023 | Philadelphia, PA | Water | Pennsylvania |
| Apr 29, 2023 | Philadelphia, PA | Water | Pennsylvania |
| Apr 14, 2023 | Erie, PA | Wilderness | Pennsylvania |
| Mar 26, 2023 - Mar 27, 2023 | Oil City, PA | Wilderness | Pennsylvania |
| Mar 21, 2023 | Waterford, PA | Wilderness | Pennsylvania |
| Dec 24, 2022 - Dec 27, 2022 | Honey Brook, PA | Wilderness | Pennsylvania |
| Dec 20, 2022 | Gardners, PA | Water | Pennsylvania |
| Dec 12, 2022 - Dec 14, 2022 | Chester, PA | Water | Pennsylvania |
| Dec 08, 2022 | Pottsville, PA | Wilderness | Pennsylvania |
| Nov 29, 2022 - Dec 02, 2022 | Lake Atitlan, Guatemala | Water | Illinois, Pennsylvania |
| Nov 22, 2022 - Nov 23, 2022 | Sheffield, OH | Water | Ohio, Pennsylvania |
| Nov 09, 2022 - Nov 10, 2022 | Sheffield, OH | Water | Ohio, Pennsylvania |
| Nov 05, 2022 - Nov 07, 2022 | Guys Mills, PA | Water | Pennsylvania |
| Oct 21, 2022 | Meadville, PA | Wilderness | Pennsylvania |
Address
PO Box 360
Berlin, OH 44610
Phone
330-893-2428
Email
sar@camoh.org