Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with 52 members of various Search and Rescue groups from around Arizona, met in Wickenburg to conduct training late last month. The training day was hosted by the Southern Yavapai County Sheriff's Response Team (SYCSRT), which is part of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Response Team (YCSRT). Base camp was located in a remote area off of Constellation Road outside of Wickenburg.

Training involved seven different search scenarios and included search teams from YCSRT consisting of Quads, 4x4s, Search Dogs and SYCSRT. Also, members from the Yavapai County Search Air Group, Yavapai County Jeep Posse and the Verde Search and Rescue joined the practice search missions.    

The training goal was to improve search operation skills of the various participants and gain an understanding as to how different search units can work together to accomplish the mission. Participants were instructed on base camp operations, map reading, GPS skills, tracking, observation, communications and recovery. The scenarios consisted of tracking and locating both live subjects and dummy bodies placed within 10 miles of the base camp.  Some of the “victims” feigned an injury as part of the training. All search subjects were found and returned to base camp.

"What really impressed me," said Vic Hansen, YCSRT manager, "was the communication within the [Southern Unit]. It was smooth, transparent and efficient.  This allowed the transfer of information to the units in the field quickly.  Thank you for a great job!"

The Southern Yavapai County Sheriff’s Response Team (SYCSRT) is made up of dedicated individuals who volunteer their time and effort to provide important Search and Rescue operations in conjunction with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.  For more information, please go to: http://sycsrt.org . The group is always looking for qualified volunteers.

The Sheriff’s Office, as always, appreciates the work of these dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to train and prepare for the next search and rescue opportunity.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at (928) 771-3260 or the YCSO website:   www.ycsoaz.gov