Search & Rescue Team at Oswego Rotary Club Meeting

OSWEGO — Janet Clerkin, Kim Backman, and Cathy Celeste, all members of the Oswego County Search & Rescue Team were recent guest speakers at the luncheon meeting of the Oswego Rotary Club held at Bishop’s Commons. Club President Dr. David Granoff introduced the program.

According to oswegocountysar.org, the Oswego County Pioneer Search and Rescue Team, Inc. is a professional and well-trained team dedicated to serving the community. It has a strong commitment to assisting local law enforcement agencies, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, emergency medical agencies, fire and rescue departments, the Emergency Management Office, and NYS Federation of Search and Rescue Teams. The team strives to provide the best service possible and has the experience and resources to effectively respond to search and rescue missions.

When a young boy went missing in the Adirondack Mountains in 1971, efforts to find him were disorganized and ill prepared. Although he was not found, the tragedy of his loss set in motion a series of actions that resulted in the development of a well-organized system of thoroughly trained and equipped volunteers, first known as The Oswego County Pioneer Land Search and Rescue Team. Over the last half-century many children, hunters, people suffering from medical emergencies and dementia have been found in New York State and beyond.

Searches are now facilitated by use of a mobile command unit, cell phones, drones, and night vision goggles, to name a few. The Oswego County team serves this county but may also be called upon to assist in other states or beyond, always working in close conjunction with law enforcement agencies.

The speakers explained and demonstrated Project Lifesaver which is available to Oswego County residents. Children and adults who are prone to wander and are in danger of getting lost, wear a small transmitter on their arm, about the size of a wristwatch. It emits a signal at a frequency unique to that person. Search and rescue personnel on the ground or in the air use a directional receiver to pinpoint the missing person.

Project Lifesaver has a fee but there may be financial assistance available. Information about the service is available at 315-349-8215, the Oswego County 911 Emergency Communications Department, or www.OswegoCounty.com/911.

Anyone interested in becoming a Rotarian or to learn more about Rotary’s humanitarian work around the world and in the community is invited to attend a meeting of the Oswego Rotary Club any Tuesday at noon at Bishop’s Commons. The building is fully accessible with convenient parking. Visiting Rotarians and guests are always welcome and may reserve lunch by contacting [email protected].

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