What is DTSAR
Mission Statement
Provide the response for overdue, lost, injured, or stranded people from an emergency incident in diverse environments. To use available personnel and equipment in a safe manner to locate and retrieve persons in distress, and provide for their initial medical or other needs and deliver them to a place of safety.
History
David Thompson Search and Rescue was organized in 1969 after a search for two young girls in the Ross Creek Cedars area of Lincoln County. Those who took part in the search recognized the need for an organized group that could be called up at anytime to conduct searches. This group was the start of what is now David Thompson Search and Rescue. The organization has grown in members, equipment and skills. It continues to grow as needs and funding are identified. The organization has been called upon from its start up in 1969 until now to respond to a variety of rescues and situations.
Structure
David Thompson Search and Rescue is a branch of the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. We utilize county radio frequencies and repeaters. County funds are used to finance operations and purchase equipment. There are some private donations and grants that help extend our organization. There are no paid positions in the organization and all members are volunteers who donate their time and skills.
The organization is based in Libby and serves all of South Lincoln County, but has been called up by other counties and even other states to assist in their operations.
Can-Am Search and Rescue is the one other search and rescue organization that operates in the county and is based in Eureka. Can-Am handles most of the calls up to the North. We work with them whenever they request and are available for us as well.
The David Thompson Search and Rescue Organization is under direct control of Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. A Board governs the organization. Board members consist of the elected positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The board also consists of the Sheriff and a representative of the Sheriffs Office, who are appointed by the Sheriff, the past President who sits on the board until replaced and the unit leader from each of the units. These units are: ATV/Snowmobile Unit, Boat Unit, Canine Unit, Communications Unit, Dive Unit, 4X4 Unit, Junior Unit, Medical Unit, and Mountain Unit. Each unit elects its unit leader. Each board member has a vote on motions brought up before the board. In addition there is a Junior Unit Advisor who is appointed by the board but does not have a vote on the board.
Board meetings are open to the public and members but the business and motions need to be put forth by board members. The board meets once a month to conduct regular business. It does hold special meetings for new member interviews and for unique circumstances.
The David Thompson Search and Rescue operates out the Search and Rescue (SAR) barn located at 301 City Service Road. It is located next to the river on City Service Road, down stream on the Libby side of the river, before the bridge.
The skills of the members make the organization. This is why a great deal of the emphasis is on training. All members are welcome to take any kind of training that is available. Notices of up coming trainings are usually mentioned at general meetings or posted in the newsletter and on the notice board.