Search and Rescue
Return to Pope County Office of Emergency Management
The Pope County OEM Search and Rescue Team is a volunteer organization that provides a multitude of emergency services. These include Water Search and Rescue, wilderness search and rescue, and emergency communications. Members of the search and rescue team receive a stipend based on the number of calls and trainings that a member goes to. All of the team's equipment is paid for by Pope County, grants, or donations from different area agencies.
Water Search and Rescue Unit
| The Water Search and Rescue Unit includes the Dive team, Marine Rescue Team, and Swiftwater Rescue Team. The Dive team conducts underwater searches and recoveries using current technology including side scan/360 Sonar and also an Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). There are currently 6 divers and multiple support personnel. The Marine Rescue Unit is responsible for incidents that occur on the Arkansas River and other bodies of water that are within Pope County. There are two boats, a Zodiac Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and a Keener Offshore Vessel, and a Sea Doo Jet Ski. The Swiftwater Rescue Team is comprised of personnel who can respond to the creeks of Pope County and respond to flood emergencies that occur. Personnel train regularly on water rescue and recovery techniques. |
Wilderness Search and Rescue Unit
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The Wilderness Search and Rescue Unit is used for any lost person and downed aircraft searches. The members utilize maps with a compass and also GPS technology to perform all duties within this unit. All members train in Search and Rescue on a monthly basis. UTV's are utilized where appropriate to aid In search efforts. Personnel are trained in search and rescue techniques including safety, survival, map prepared with survival skills and search techniques that may be necessary in a search and rescue mission. |
