Southeast Missouri Search and Rescue thanks "partners"

Donating an ambulance, as well as fuel for a year, to Southeast Missouri Search and Rescue is an incredibly generous thing for Butler County EMS owners Scott Preslar and Dina Rhodes to do for the community, said Butler County EMA Director Robbie Myers on Friday.

Prior to the ceremony, Rep. Jeff Shawan of Poplar Bluff, told Preslar and Rhodes, “Thank you guys for stepping up and helping Search and Rescue.”

“We have many partners,” said Myers, as he turned the program over to Dan St. Lawrence, president of Southeast Missouri Search and Rescue.

Dr. Kathryn Bell (left) of Hillcrest Animal Hospital, Amanda Knight and Cueball donated a special first-aid kit to be used for the safety of the canine members of the team. DAR/Barbara Ann Horton

“We would not be here without special people like Scott Preslar, Dina Rhodes and David Ross,” St. Lawrence said. “We are truly blessed.”

St. Lawrence also paid tribute to “people who volunteer their time and don’t get paid. Search and Rescue would be much harder if it were not for those who sacrifice their time and part of their lives.”

Among the volunteers are Barry Matthews, treasurer; Brandon Hopper, vice president; Kelly St. Lawrence; Wade Dugas, trainer for human tracker dogs; and Mark Hastings, communications team leader.

St. Lawrence said making that sacrifice is much easier having a new truck with air conditioning. He thanked Briggs and Stratton for donating a generator and Terry and Charlotte Stephens, owners of Service Industries Park, who donate the building where the group meets. The Stephens pay the utilities and never charges the team. He also thanked NO Limit Auto Detail for helping prepare the rig for the team.

Dr. Kathryn Bell of Hillcrest Animal Hospital, Amanda Knight and Cueball donated a canine first-aid kit to be used for the safety of the dog members of the team.

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley read a proclamation on behalf of Sen. Doug Libla thanking Preslar and Rhodes for their many donations to the community.

Before reading the proclamation from the Missouri House of Representatives, Shawan talked about partnerships and private partners like Butler County EMS.

“I find it moving and there is no way to properly thank them,” Shawan said. “They did not have to do the things they do. It is a tough job, they show up in times of need.”

Praising the volunteer work of the Search and Rescue team in the proclamation, Shawan commented about Rhodes and Preslar donating the first Narcan to the city of Poplar Bluff along with helping law enforcement, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Three Rivers Shriners and giving back to the community. Shawan also presented a U.S. flag flown over the capitol in Jefferson City to Butler County EMS.

Also attending were Butler County Presiding Commissioners Vince Lampe, Rep. Hardy Billington, Poplar Bluff City Manager Mark Massingham and Poplar Bluff Fire Chief Ralph Stucker.

Southeast Missouri Search and Rescue President Dan St. Lawrence, (left) looks at his copy of the proclamation State Rep. Jeff Shawan of Poplar Bluff is also presenting to Scott Preslar and Dina Rhodes, owners of Butler County EMS, and David Ross, manager.DAR/Barbara Ann Horton