GCSR searches for new volunteers

By RICHARD JENKINS

rjenkins@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — Gogebic County Search and Rescue is looking for volunteers.

Overseen by the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department, the organization is a private group of volunteers who help conduct search and rescue operations, provide emergency medical assistance and rescue victims from both wilderness and urban environments, according to group president Jon Brown.

Brown said there have been a number of incidents in recent years, the group has responded to, including a number of calls out to Superior Falls.

“Every two years, three years, we’ll get a call out (from) maybe Conglomerate Falls (or elsewhere) where someone falls over the edge,” Brown said.

Ideal candidates must be medically and physically fit, comfortable in an outdoor environment and possible working in adverse weather conditions.

Members must posses a good pair of hiking boots, warm clothing and rain gear, according to the release, while specialized equipment will likely be provided by the group. Those who join the group will receive training in a variety of skills and equipment, including “4-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, horses, motor boats, snowmobiles, ropes and knots,” a release from the group said.

Knowledge of the local area is also an asset.

Members must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen, reside in Gogebic County and have a valid Michigan drivers license.

According to the release, members are also required to attend 50 percent of trainings and 25 percent of business meetings, which are currently at 6:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the month.

Members decide the amount of time they can commit to each actual incident.

Applicants must pass a background check, be approved by Sheriff Pete Matonich, complete a probation period and be voted favorably by the members.

Brown said the group is low on membership, with approximately eight or nine volunteers, but everyone happens to have an area of expertise. He said it’s nice because it means the volunteers can fill in for each other’s weaknesses.

“I think that’s really what keeps our team together,” Brown said. “Because if one person is not too versed (in an area) then the other person takes over and helps.”

Applicants should also be willing to work with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, take direction from experienced members and be interested in learning new skills, according to the release.

There is no compensation for service.

Brown, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard, said he finds the ability to continue to serve as one of the most fulfilling aspects to the group.

“That the fact that I know I’m continuing what I’ve been doing all my life, (which is) helping people,” Brown said, referring to what he got out of the training. “Even though I’ve been out of the Coast Guard almost 15 years, I don’t want to waste my valuable training.”

Applications are available at the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department or by visiting the group’s Facebook page.