Members of Southeast Missouri Search and Rescue were in Carter County last weekend to help find a missing man.
A few weeks ago, the group was out to search for a missing woman along the Black River in Poplar Bluff.
The nature of their work requires the group of 30 to be ready to go at a moment’s notice, and be prepared for all types of terrain and weather.
It makes the updated and upgraded mobile command center they received recently that much more important, according to Dan St. Lawrence, the group’s president.
A variety of community members have come together to make that happen, and as a result, helped improve emergency services available to the region. A ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Black River Coliseum to recognize these partners.
“Everybody in the community pulls together and steps up,” St. Lawrence said. “We all try to help one another. If it wasn’t for the support of local businesses in our community, because we’re a non-profit, we wouldn’t be able to exist and operate.”
Butler County EMS donated an ambulance to serve as the new mobile command.
It is larger, has fewer miles and is in better condition, St. Lawrence said. The previous vehicle was donated by Rural Metro and had been used since the group formed, which was around 2009.
The group upgraded the radio and other equipment in the new mobile command. Because of the larger size, they have also been able to move in some additional equipment.
“It is stocked with equipment that is necessary to have an effective search,” said St. Lawrence.
Briggs and Stratton also donated a generator, and No Limit Auto Detail helped remove the old decals and clean up the vehicle.
Partners like these help the group stay ready to go at a moment’s notice, according to St. Lawrence.
Law enforcement and the Butler County Emergency Management Agency are also very supportive of their efforts, he said.
The group meets on the first Monday of every month at 1020 S. Broadway, a building provided by Service Industrial Park.
Meetings begin at 6 p.m., with a training session following regular business.
Individuals interested in participating are welcome to attend, or to message the group on Facebook, St. Lawrence said.