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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Tidewater VA Area

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: "T'mi Fi" <tfinkle@erols.com>
  • To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Tidewater VA Area
  • Date: Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:51:11 -0400

I am not sure what is required for other States, but in Virginia VDEM utilized the Virginia Search and Rescue Council as their verification and validation entity. The steps are outlines on VDEM's website. To the best of my knowledge I do not know of any Sheriff's mounted posse's (in VA) that have a State MOU in place to perform Mounted Search and Rescue (MSAR) response. While a local posse could perform such MSAR duties within their county of jurisdiction, they would not be called out by the Department of Emergency Management's State Search and Rescue Coordination Center for deployment as a MSAR resource. While CAP has an MOU in VA for Ground SAR and Air Support, they are no CAP Squadrons that have applied for an MSAR endorsement with the VA Office of Search & Rescue. Without such an endorsement a CAP MSAR entity could only be used on mission comprise of or solely tasked with CAP personnel (which rarely, if ever occurs). This issue was address following a search our MSAR team was deployed to; CAP After Action Review investigation for AAR Mission 06M-0666A (AKA: Weiss Search in PA & MD).
Because most counties in Virginia can not afford to pay for workers compensation to non-paid personnel, the local EOC (or law enforcement agency) places a call to VDEM requesting assistance of state resources (with MOU's) then VDEM picks up that tab. It is very rare within the Commonwealth of VA for a County government to supply their own resources and provide WC insurance for their first responder resources. Go to the VDEM SAR web pages at for complete details and application processes <http://www.vdem.state.va.us/programs/sar/index.cfm>

Being affiliated with a credentialed SAR team is always recommended, even if it means leaving your horse at home for a couple of years. The National Response Framework and its ESF 9 has changed the protocols of what was once called SAR volunteers, and nowadays first responder resources must adhere togovernment standards and credentialing. All states in this region require that all government and non-government first responder SAR resources hold NIMS (IS-700) and Incident Command System (IS-100) certification (or its recognized equivalent). Because FEMA grant money is only available to local and state governments that are NIMS compliant, this has now been adopted by a majority of states in the USA. Two years ago our mounted team included CERT training as a certification requirement (for all deployable team members), as it provides a host of related cross training knowledge As an example CERT training provides; HAZMAT awareness, triage, US&R marking, cribbing, and building sizeup (which comes has proven very helpful before entering old dwellings and barns).

Our team has formal MOU's in place with two states and several other local jurisdictions for MSAR response. I have played a key role with the preparation and submission of those legal processes and would be glad to share my experience with you. Please feel free to contact me (off list) if you would like more assistance.
Ride safe,
T'mi
www.trotsar.org

ALLEN SNYDER wrote:

What are the steps needed to register with the state? I understand it would vary, but is our local Emergency Manager the place to start? I assume that mounted Sherriff's posse units are already registered, but let me know if not. Would also being affiliated with another organization such as Civil Air Patrol be helpful since most of their members have been trained on Emergency services procedures, ground team work, and NIMS for starters. Thanks! Dana







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