The Ohio Special Response Team (OSRT) would like to expand their team of volunteers. The teams support local, state, and federal authorities in the event of a natural and/or man-made disasters or emergencies. With more than 80 volunteers statewide, and 25 in Richland County, the team is devoted to search and rescue emergencies, traffic control, security at special events, and more.
They accept anyone over the age of 18 with an interest in serving the community. Some members have EMT and law enforcement training, but some are civilians looking to serve, like Operation Chief Maj. Charles Taylor.
“I first got involved with this after 9/11. I wanted to give back to the community. Over the years [my involvement] has slowly progressed to search and rescue. I enjoy it and I’ve learned some new skills over the last years,” explained Taylor.
Some of these skills include “man tracking,” land navigation using maps and GPS, handling hazardous material, performing First Aid and CPR procedures.
According to Taylor, there are usually three or four emergencies per year. The OSRT primarily responds to woodland search and rescue emergencies. The training, therefore, involves examining footprints imprinted in the ground.
Despite the organization’s infancy, the OSRT already has a number of success stories. One involved finding a man alive in the woods after being missing for a night. The man reportedly suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
Another success story involved finding a 6-year-old girl alive on a porch after being abducted in Jackson County.
Since search and rescue missions do not happen often, there are other ways the OSRT contributes to a safer community. For example, in this summer’s flood in Bellville, the team handled traffic control at the entrances to the town. This task freed up law enforcement for other more pressing issues, like evacuating neighborhoods.
“Even if someone wants to volunteer, but is unable to walk long distances or carry heavy back packs, there are other jobs available,” said Taylor.
Training courses are available online and also take place once a year in June at Hidden Hollow Camp in Bellville. Depending on a volunteers dedication, according to Taylor, training can take from one to two years.
Search and rescue missions sometimes can take up to eight to 12 hours of searching. Taylor noted that volunteers who have regular employement are able to receive excuses to present to their employers.
To join the forces of your local Special Response Team, visit their website and fill out the application. Or, call 419-528-0041.
