Mounted search and rescue

[Dana Mc <k9preydrive@yahoo.com>]

So far, I agree with all the ideas I've heard.

My .02 would be:

-I'm still curious about if that Bastard Search probability was investigated.

-check the local "rivers" as was suggested above, their levels at that and later times of the year. Hydrodynamics should be taken into consideration. Direction of flow, downstream hang ups and dams, etc.

-the "Oh shi---" was heard reportedly by the father. This denotes a certain level of surprise and/or fear by the caller. If it is expected he exclaimed that because he fell, then what elevation changes are in the area should be looked at. Something higher than 10ft in the dark that could've made him say such a thing and for the phone to "go dead". Did the phone strike something and quit working or was it submerged in water and shorted out? Either way there are some things to look at. IF it was just a fall, not into water, there could still be the phone laying around for an article dog (a really good one after this amount of time) to find.

-the cell phone track is a good idea, but unless during his "47-minute cell-phone conversation" he walked out of range of one cell tower and into the coverage area of another, then you may not get a direction of travel from those logs. Also, I don't know how long those logs are kept. And further, how many of you have attempted on a LIVE search to get a phone company to release their info? Like squeezin blood from a turnip. But I'd still try.

-in regards to the multiple hits by HRD dogs in the area, I'd surmise that is probably due to dismemberment by animals. Parts drug off for eating and decomp scent left in various places by uneaten parts or pieces of clothing. OR, maybe another scent source in the area. Has anyone looked into previous unrelated incidents of human remains in that area?? Maybe a burial ground of settlers from long ago? Indians? etc... Either way, a fresh set of noses might help (politics and jursidictions aside). Not any noses but look into nationally recognized, certified, and experienced teams.

Good luck on this and thank you for the opportunity for us to help.

Dana McGuire
President, LESAR

---

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Subject: MSAR-Riders Digest, Vol 83, Issue 12

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Today's Topics:

  1. Re: Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search (Una Smith)
  2. Re: Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search (Una Smith)
  3. Re: Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search (Una Smith)
  4. Re: Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search (Irvin Lichtenstein)
  5. Re: Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search (Lois Guyon)
  6. Re: Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search (Una Smith)
  7. Re: Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search (David Skofstad)
  8. Re: Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search (Lois Guyon)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:42:38 -0700
From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search
To: Jeff Hasse <jhasse@comcast.net>
Cc: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Message-ID: <20100129214238.GA14322@att.net" href="mailto:20100129214238.GA14322@att.net">20100129214238.GA14322@att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Jeff,

I forwarded your request for help, minus the links, to MSAR-Riders.

MSAR-Riders had a similar request for help in 2008, from a member.
We handled it by developing a topic on Wikiversity.  Although only a
few members participated, it allowed us to collaboratively start on
a search plan.  One problem in the actual search was a narrowing of
attention onto just one scenario, involving a search dog track north
of town that turned out to be spurious.  We did not get far before
the subject was found in a cornfield east of town, during harvesting
of the corn.  In hindsight, the area east of town should have been
a high priority, because the subject had been rescued previously in
that area.  It appears he was in the habit of riding his tricycle
to that area to help himself to corn, and that is what he was doing
when he passed away.

http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/SAR_mission_2008_01

Take a look and consider maybe holding your brainstorming there, so
others can help you develop actual planning documents and graphics.

    Una Smith
    New Mexico


------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:09:26 -0700
From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search
To: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Message-ID: <20100129220926.GA14589@att.net" href="mailto:20100129220926.GA14589@att.net">20100129220926.GA14589@att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Below is a forwarded e-mail from the original sender, Jeff Hasse, dated
Friday, Jan 29, 2010.  This is my second try;  my first try had a typo
in the To: field and was undeliverable.

    Una

----------------------------- snip here --------------------------------

Colleagues,

    We have a very difficult missing person case here in Minnesota that
I hope might interest you.  On May 14th, 2008, 19-year-old Brandon
Swanson of Marshall, MN disappeared while walking in a rural area of
southwestern MN.  He had been at a gathering of friends that evening and
was on his way home when the car he was driving became stuck in a ditch.
He contacted his parents to come get him but was apparently quite
disoriented and gave them directions to a location 20 miles away from
his position.  He became frustrated with the wait and began walking
towards what he thought was a nearby tavern and directed his parents
there.  During a 47-minute cell-phone conversation with his father, he
described walking down gravel roads, then leaving the road to travel
cross-country.  The phone call ended when--according to his father--it
sounded like he slipped, uttered "Oh S***," and the phone went dead.
He hasn't been seen or heard from since.

    The local Sheriff's Offices (there were three counties involved),
community volunteers, and the family conducted a large search for
approximately two weeks before we were asked to become involved.  None
of the local resources had any formal SAR training.  While a formal
Search Manager became involved in the search about a week and a half
into the search, he only had had a single search management course and
very little experience.  Initial search efforts focused on the Yellow
Medicine River.  Our teams conducted nine days of searching throughout
the summer and fall of 2008 working with the family's Search Manager
and the Sheriffs directly.  By late fall of 2008, the family had lost
confidence in the initial Search Manager and asked that I take over
the search with the Sheriff's consent.

    We conducted an extensive reconstruction of the search efforts to
date throughout the winter of 2008-2009.  In February of 2009, a number
of experienced Search Managers met for a planning meeting which
included a review of the circumstances of his disappearance, subject
profile, scenario analysis, containment analysis, etc.  A Search Plan
was established.

    In March of 2009, we resumed our limited continuous search
conducting 25 days of searching over the spring, summer, and fall.  At
this point, we are primarily using Human Remains Detection (HRD) dogs
in the search.  The remains are fully disarticulated and likely well
hidden by tall grass, water, or possibly even soil as his remains may
have been tilled into one of the many farm fields in the area, so HRD
dogs are our best sensors for the conditions.  The dogs have amassed a
huge body of evidence suggesting that his remains are located to the
northwest of the LKP (his abandoned car).  However, we have not been
able to physically locate any remains as of yet.  The search is
currently suspended due to deep snow in the area.

    During this winter, we are taking another look at all our data
hoping to narrow the search.  This is why I am writing you.  This has
been a very large search (over 120 square miles searched) with very
frustrating results (lots of canine interest, but unable to pinpoint
the source).  The management team thought it would be a good idea to
add your expertise to the mix.  Have any of you ever been involved in
a search with this amount of canine interest from so far away?  Does
the pattern of interest suggest anything to you?  Have we missed
anything?  We would be interested in your thoughts.

    All of the briefing materials, search plan, and summary reports
are available on a Box.net site.

[Please e-mail Jeff for links.  --Una]

    Both the family and the Sheriff to whom I report have approved the
release of this information.  However, since it is an active case, I
ask that you treat it as confidential.  If you would like to share the
links with anyone, please email me. 

    I will be happy to answer your questions regarding the case.  I am
currently working on an overall Case Summary which I will post when
I complete it.  Your comments can be directed to the list or to me
directly at jhasse@comcast.net.  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Jeff Hasse
President, Midwest Technical Rescue Training Associates
Vice-President, Search, Rescue, and Recovery Resources of Minnesota
Director, Jon Francis Foundation




------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:26:53 -0700
From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search
To: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Message-ID: <20100129222653.GA14715@att.net" href="mailto:20100129222653.GA14715@att.net">20100129222653.GA14715@att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

See also http://thesearchforbrandon.blogspot.com/

    Una


------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:34:19 -0500
From: "Irvin Lichtenstein" <ilichten1@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search
To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Message-ID: <0KX100BQM85H5VY0@vms173019.mailsrvcs.net" href="mailto:0KX100BQM85H5VY0@vms173019.mailsrvcs.net">0KX100BQM85H5VY0@vms173019.mailsrvcs.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

There is a 45 minute cell phone track from the vehicle to the "o-shit".
This should have given you a very good PLK.  The track should also indicate
how disoriented he was.  It is doubtful at this point that visually
identifiable remains will be found after almost 2 years.

It is unlikely that the body is more than a mile from the end of call
location unless he was not disoriented or otherwise diminished in capacity.
I presume a bastard search has been conducted and no evidence of planned
disappearance or transport from the scene has been found.

You mention a river.  If the river is within the probable distance from the
PLK and you believe he fell in and drowned you will not recover anything at
this point unless the water has been cold enough to stop decomposition.

I find it difficult to believe that a farmer would have driven his equipment
over the body if it was reasonably intact at the time.  Most farmers are too

protective of their machines to hit anything in a field. A body would really
mess up the equipment or possibly hang on the plowshares.

Irv Lichtenstein 



-----Original Message-----
From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Una Smith
Sent: Friday, January 29, 2010 5:09 PM
To: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search

Below is a forwarded e-mail from the original sender, Jeff Hasse, dated
Friday, Jan 29, 2010.  This is my second try;  my first try had a typo
in the To: field and was undeliverable.

    Una



------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:50:48 -0800 (PST)
From: Lois Guyon <laguyon2@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search
To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Message-ID: <833263.28545.qm@web110707.mail.gq1.yahoo.com" href="mailto:833263.28545.qm@web110707.mail.gq1.yahoo.com">833263.28545.qm@web110707.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I was involved in the search worked up on Wikiversity.?This was Una's first attempt at using the website as a colaborative tool for MSAR.?I strongly urge that?the?Brandon Swanson?case use be put in Wikiversity as a way of sharing information and ideas.? While there is a little learning curve, if I could work with the system, anyone can.? This is a powerful tool, which Una has mastered.? She will be able to help the rest of us collaborate.? This web site has the potential of getting the best minds in the country involved in local searches.? Let's learn how to use it.

Lois Guyon
LaSalle County, IL Sheriff's MSAR Posse



----- Original Message ----
From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
To: Jeff Hasse <jhasse@comcast.net>
Cc: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Sent: Fri, January 29, 2010 3:42:38 PM
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search

Jeff,

I forwarded your request for help, minus the links, to MSAR-Riders.

MSAR-Riders had a similar request for help in 2008, from a member.
We handled it by developing a topic on Wikiversity.? Although only a
few members participated, it allowed us to collaboratively start on
a search plan.? One problem in the actual search was a narrowing of
attention onto just one scenario, involving a search dog track north
of town that turned out to be spurious.? We did not get far before
the subject was found in a cornfield east of town, during harvesting
of the corn.? In hindsight, the area east of town should have been
a high priority, because the subject had been rescued previously in
that area.? It appears he was in the habit of riding his tricycle
to that area to help himself to corn, and that is what he was doing
when he passed away.

http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/SAR_mission_2008_01

Take a look and consider maybe holding your brainstorming there, so
others can help you develop actual planning documents and graphics.

??? Una Smith
??? New Mexico
_______________________________________________
MSAR-Riders mailing list
MSAR-Riders@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/msar-riders



     


------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:06:49 -0700
From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search
To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Message-ID: <20100130000649.GA15045@att.net" href="mailto:20100130000649.GA15045@att.net">20100130000649.GA15045@att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I too am wondering about the cell phone call, and if anyone obtained
cell tower records.  If he was walking while talking, the records may
reflect his direction of travel.  Also, they would validate (or not)
the story he told his father about getting the car stuck where it was
found and walking from there.

What crops are grown in this area?  And how tall were they when the
subject disappeared?

My experience digging stuff out of fertile fields is limited, but I
have found clothing that is still recognizable years later.  So I
would look for pieces of cloth in fields that are freshly plowed or
freshly harvested.  However, Irv has a point about whether someone
could drive a tractor or plow over a reasonably new corpse without
noticing.

Is it known what the subject was wearing when last seen?

Would the subject's cell phone give a good signal by metal detector? 

I would want to be sure the dogs are trained not to alert on dead
woodchuck or other field critter.

    Una


------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:26:01 -0600
From: "David Skofstad" <dbs54neigh@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search
To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Message-ID: <380-2201016300261488@earthlink.net" href="mailto:380-2201016300261488@earthlink.net">380-2201016300261488@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I agree the likelihood of finding recoverable human remains is very small given the effects of two years of weather and predation.  I am also concerned about the numerous indications by the HRD canines, although my experience in this area is very limited. It may be possible to locate other evidence, such as the cell phone. I understand this must be very hard on the family as they were in communication with the subject.

David Skofstad
dbs54neigh@earthlink.net

"In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, 'Holy to the Lord.' "
                            Zechariah 14:20



> [Original Message]
> From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
> To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
> Date: 1/29/2010 6:06:53 PM
> Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search
>
> I too am wondering about the cell phone call, and if anyone obtained
> cell tower records.  If he was walking while talking, the records may
> reflect his direction of travel.  Also, they would validate (or not)
> the story he told his father about getting the car stuck where it was
> found and walking from there.
>
> What crops are grown in this area?  And how tall were they when the
> subject disappeared?
>
> My experience digging stuff out of fertile fields is limited, but I
> have found clothing that is still recognizable years later.  So I
> would look for pieces of cloth in fields that are freshly plowed or
> freshly harvested.  However, Irv has a point about whether someone
> could drive a tractor or plow over a reasonably new corpse without
> noticing.
>
> Is it known what the subject was wearing when last seen?
>
> Would the subject's cell phone give a good signal by metal detector? 
>
> I would want to be sure the dogs are trained not to alert on dead
> woodchuck or other field critter.
>
>  Una
> _______________________________________________
> MSAR-Riders mailing list
> MSAR-Riders@lists.ibiblio.org
> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/msar-riders
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Message: 8
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:57:18 -0800 (PST)
From: Lois Guyon <laguyon2@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search
To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Message-ID: <789875.66552.qm@web110701.mail.gq1.yahoo.com" href="mailto:789875.66552.qm@web110701.mail.gq1.yahoo.com">789875.66552.qm@web110701.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

In addition to what crops were in the fields, not only at the time of disappearance, but subsequently, what other types of vegetation are in the area?? In the middle of May, most mid-western crops would not yet be planted or would just be?sprouting.? Even hay fields would not have been high at that time of year.?

Have river rescue/searchers been used in the river?? What is the history of water levels in the river and streams in the search area??



----- Original Message ----
From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Fri, January 29, 2010 6:06:49 PM
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Request for Help--Brandon Swanson Search

I too am wondering about the cell phone call, and if anyone obtained
cell tower records.? If he was walking while talking, the records may
reflect his direction of travel.? Also, they would validate (or not)
the story he told his father about getting the car stuck where it was
found and walking from there.

What crops are grown in this area?? And how tall were they when the
subject disappeared?

My experience digging stuff out of fertile fields is limited, but I
have found clothing that is still recognizable years later.? So I
would look for pieces of cloth in fields that are freshly plowed or
freshly harvested.? However, Irv has a point about whether someone
could drive a tractor or plow over a reasonably new corpse without
noticing.

Is it known what the subject was wearing when last seen?

Would the subject's cell phone give a good signal by metal detector??

I would want to be sure the dogs are trained not to alert on dead
woodchuck or other field critter.

??? Una
_______________________________________________
MSAR-Riders mailing list
MSAR-Riders@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/msar-riders



     


------------------------------

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MSAR-Riders mailing list
MSAR-Riders@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/msar-riders


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