Stephens County Search and Rescue Team

07/08/2026

Most people only see us when we're responding to a call. What often goes unseen are the hours spent preparing so that, when we're needed, we can do our job safely and effectively.

Being part of a Search and Rescue team involves much more than responding to emergencies. We spend time completing driver training, inspecting and maintaining vehicles, boats, trailers, and equipment, documenting maintenance and inspections, keeping training and certification records current, and completing the paperwork that comes with operating a professional organization. We also work on logistics, planning, communications, inventory, and the administrative tasks that keep the team functioning.

Just as important, we train. Search and Rescue skills are perishable, so we regularly practice search techniques, water operations, rope rescue, medical skills, communications, and other disciplines to maintain proficiency. There is always something to learn and something to improve.

None of this is glamorous, and much of it happens quietly behind the scenes. It's simply part of the responsibility of being ready to help when we're called.

06/29/2026

SCSAR Learning new skills for new member certification as Emergency Response Divers.

06/07/2026

We truly appreciate the love and support shown to our team. Our rescue professionals are dedicated to serving this community, and the encouragement we receive means more than words can express.

We sincerely pray that you never need our services, but if that day ever comes, know that we stand ready to help during some of life's most difficult moments. Serving others is both our responsibility and our privilege.

Thank you for your trust, your support, and your belief in what we do.

God bless you and your families always.
Stephens County Search and Rescue
Bringing Home the Lost Since August 20, 1957

05/25/2026

Today, we ask our community to simply remember.

Remember the men and women who answered their nation’s call and never made it home. Remember those who could laugh and fight at the same time. Remember those who gave up not only the life they were living, but the life they would have lived. The families they would have raised, the years they never got to see, and the chance to one day grow old surrounded by those they loved.

Remember the Gold Star families whose lives were forever changed. Families who still feel the absence at the dinner table, during holidays, and in the quiet moments that never seem to get easier.

Memorial Day is not about sales or celebration. It is about sacrifice. It is about remembering the human cost of freedom and honoring those who gave everything for people they would never meet.

So today, slow down. Say their names. Visit the memorials. Fly the flag with purpose.

And when you do, pray. Pray for the families carrying loss. Pray for those still battling the war within. Pray that we never become so distracted as a nation that we forget the price paid for the freedoms we enjoy.

From all of us at Stephens County Search and Rescue, we honor and remember the fallen, and those who were left behind that directly carries those burdens.

May we never forget.

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Our First SCSAR Recruit Class
Class 2026-001

Today, we proudly recognize and congratulate the graduates of Stephens County Search and Rescue Recruit Class 2026-001. These dedicated volunteers committed themselves to 13 weeks of demanding training, long hours, and unwavering determination in pursuit of one goal: serving others in their time of need.

The class began with 18 recruits, and after months of rigorous instruction and hands-on training, 9 recruits successfully completed the program. Their accomplishment speaks volumes about their perseverance, discipline, and commitment to the mission of search and rescue.

Under the guidance of outstanding SCSAR Officers, Instructors, and Trainers, these recruits were challenged in numerous critical areas of emergency response. Training included lost person behavior, basic search techniques, waterborne surface rescue, basic rope rescue, land navigation, K9 operations, and the Incident Command System. Beyond these core subjects, they also trained extensively in many additional areas essential to modern search and rescue operations.

This class was not simply about learning skills. It was about building teamwork, leadership, resilience, and a servant’s heart. Every graduate standing today earned their place through hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to the community they now stand ready to protect.

By completing this course, these volunteers now become part of a proud tradition and team that has served this community since August 20, 1957. They now carry forward the SCSAR motto:

“Bringing Home the Lost.”

We are proud of each and every one of you and look forward to watching you continue to grow within SCSAR.

Congratulations, Class 2026-001. Your journey is just beginning.

05/04/2026

Check out this co-authored article dealing with the utilization and benefits of quality trained K9s for water operations.

A big congratulations to K9 Handler Donna Frady and our Training Officer Benjamin Stanfield.

Certified K9 SAR teams enhance search efficiency, reduce search areas, and improve outcomes in missing person and water recovery ops.

03/16/2026

Stephens County Search and Rescue
Boating Safety awareness.

Safe boating starts with knowing the waterway. Buoys and markers are not decorations. They are safety warnings that identify hazards, controlled areas, diver activity, and safe navigation routes. Ignoring them places you, your passengers, and others at risk.

Every operator should understand basic navigation markers and the boating rules of the road. Know what the markers mean. Slow down in controlled areas. Stay clear of diver flags. Never pass between a buoy and the shoreline when it is marked as restricted. When encountering other vessels, follow proper right of way signals and communicate clearly.

Most boating incidents are preventable. A few moments of awareness and respect for the markers on the water can prevent injuries, collisions, and loss of life.

Boat responsibly. Know the markers. Follow the rules of the water.

Stephens County Search and Rescue
Serving our community through training, readiness, and response.

02/08/2026

SCSAR Completed a 3 day course in Wilderness Search & Rescue focusing on "Lost Person's Behavior" and Search management protocols. We had a total of 29 personnel to include Instructor Cadre lead by Bob Bolz and Allen Padget. Their team of skilled, experienced proctors did a marvelous job of training and evaluating our team.

We also want to give a big thank you to GA DNR for use of their station on Lake Russell WMA.

There is so much that goes into doing this work and lots of walking.

From all leadership, we have our hats off to all our volunteers who gave up their weekend and time with family to come out, train, and be better serve our community.

Our motto remains.....

"BRINGING HOME THE LOST"

01/23/2026

*******Public Safety Announcement******

During a power outage, never run generators, grills, camp stoves, propane heaters, or gas appliances inside your home, garage, basement, or near windows or doors. These devices produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you in minutes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. Opening windows or doors does not make indoor generator or heater use safe.

Generators must be used outdoors only, at least 20 feet away from buildings, with exhaust directed away from the structure. Install and maintain battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

If you experience headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unusual fatigue, get outside immediately and call 911.
Power outages are temporary. Carbon monoxide poisoning is permanent.

Source: CDC – Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/carbonmonoxide