Out in the field: training with Cook County Search and Rescue
On a Wednesday evening at their building behind the Law Enforcement Center, the Cook County Search and Rescue Unit held their July meeting. Search and Rescue Captain Willie Olin began by covering some team business, but the main event for the meeting was a field training for the newer members of the all-volunteer organization.
After receiving the training page from dispatch over the county’s emergency response radio, explaining the scenario, the crew jumped into action to organize a plan for recovering a missing hiker. Veteran members of the group acted primarily as observers, allowing the newer volunteers to come up with a plan and execute it. While they prepared to mobilize, Olin spoke with WTIP about the training exercise.
Search and rescue is a volunteer organization. Olin said that they appreciate the huge community support that Cook County residents show, even if they are not volunteers. He said that the community shows support through things like equipment donation, but also things like bringing crews food and water during extended searches.
He added that they are always welcoming more volunteers- information for becoming a volunteer is available through the Cook County Website, as well as at the Law Enforcement Center.
WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski attended the July meeting and training exercise.
Ben Seaton shows Search and Rescue volunteers how to use a “mule” during a training exercise.
Kirsten Wisniewski July 17, 2024
