“What is a Superhero?” Ask a child and they will probably tell you a superhero is someone like that of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, etc. Superhero’s will have the ability to fly without a plane or stop bullets with their hands or bracelets. Superhero’s always look real good before and after a battle. They always come out on top and are praised the world over. Now ask a child who was just delivered into the arms of anxious parents after have been missing for over a day. What is a superhero? They will say it’s those people over there wearing bright reflective clothing, carrying backpack and first aid kits. They are the real Superhero’s. Those non-descript bunch of people whose only thing they have in common are Hi Viz clothing and a desire to bring help, happiness, or closure to someone else’s extraordinary situation. A group of people who lead everyday lives with family, friends, jobs, and bills. People who, in the persona of Supermans,”Clark Kent,” when called upon, will kick into action by donning their reflective gear, loading their backpacks, and reporting for duty. A group of people who have taken the time to form a cohesive unit and train to first responder standards and practices. People who use their time, money, and energy to help those who are in need and to make this world just a little bit better. To quote a first responder, “these things we do, so that others may live.” You want to know who real Superhero’s are, just ask that recently united child and her parents.
This is a great group of people who dedicate their free time and money to serve their community. Thank you for all you do, so that others may live!
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This all volunteer unit is comprised of multiple groups providing multiple search abilities. The team has a 4x4 team, mountain bike team, ATV team, ground searchers as well as search dogs. This is a fantastic group of community volunteers providing a service to their fellow Washingtonians. We provide lost child booths at several events each year as well as support for various organizations to put on events throughout the Olympia area and Capitol Forest.
This is a top notch group, great leadership and great members. I'm great full to be a part of such an amazing group of people.
SPSMSAR is one of the most engaged volunteer group in a Thurston County. They can be counted on to respond and participate in activities and searches.
I was a volunteer with this group. I enjoyed every minute I was with them. We had some very difficult searches, in snow ,rain, all night, and two and three day searches and no complaining about the job. The main thing was to find the subject, and support the family. I wish I had the health to be able to go out on a search with them again
Fourth of July. 2017. Literally hundreds if not a thousand people in the local park waiting for fireworks to begin. We couldn't find my then 6 year old grandson. Of course we were frantic! My daughter in law saw the lost child booth earlier in the evening. She immediately reported him missing. SPSMSAR not only found my grandson they kept him safe until my daughter-in-law came back. My son saw him in the lost child booth and because he wasn't the reporting party they wouldn't allow my grandson to leave with him. I am forever grateful for our outcome and understand it is spsmsar idea to place and operate the lost child booth at these events.
We are doing great things in 2017! Last year our member ran organization voted to add K9 to our resource list and I am so happy to report that after a year of hard work, we now have 3 Bloodhounds for Mission requests. Enfield handler Adam Richardson K9-1 are both Urban/Wilderness qualified, Kinsey & Stella handler Martha Stone K9-3 are both Urban qualified and currently working on their wilderness. Handler Dave Richards K9-2 has been training his Bloodhounds for qualifications also. A huge thanks to Corky & Darla with West Coast Search Dogs for helping get our Bloodhounds verified on the Urban/Wilderness qualifications. We honestly could not have done this without them and the backing of our Organization as well as the Thurston County Sheriff's Office support for approval. So proud to have SAR K9 back in Thurston County after going over 7 years without.
Very proud Captain here!
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What a Unit we have in SPSMSAR I am so proud to call all of you my Family. We are always there for each other whenever or what ever the need may be having each others backs as a team should. SPSMSAR have been working so hard on K-9 efforts this year many countless hours of training and a lot of unpleasant weather conditions it will be all worth it when the Bloodhounds find their first lost subject in a real life situation, not a training scenario. I can not wait to see the look of excitement on the subjects, K-9 & handlers faces it will truly be priceless! "So others may live!" ~Captain
I am administer the Emergency Worker Program for Thurston County, and the South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue (SPSMSAR) group is registered with us.
SPSMSAR goes above and beyond what is expected of them. They respond for lost or missing individuals, but also are the first to offer assistance during disasters, regardless of the type of work they'll be doing. They are invaluable!
I always say, "if you're going to get list somewhere, do it in Thurston County because our search and rescue teams are the best!" The citizens of Thurston, and neighboring counties, are very fortunate to have this group as a SAR resource.
This is an awesome all volunteer SAR unit. I've been a member since January this year and they have made me feel like family. Hard to believe it's not even been a year yet, seems like I've known everyone for years, instead!
As a handler in the new K9 unit it's great to see so many willing to get involved and help us with the training, mobile support and just plain having fun. SAR is such a rewarding experience if you haven't tried it you should come and join us for a day!
As the Captain of SPSMSAR I do have a somewhat bias opinion. This SAR unit is the best organization I've ever been a part of. We are some of the most dedicated, giving, and caring individuals you'll ever meet. Being a part of this group is like having a second family. We all bring something special to the table that makes us whole. Knowing I have a group of friends that have my back and allow me to be a part of giving back to our community is a wonderful feeling. Our willingness to share our experiences, learn, and grow together is invaluable. We have been a huge part of reuniting loved ones, providing support, and focusing on the greater good of our society. All this while having fun enjoying the great outdoors, improving our skills, and enjoying the company of some wonderful folks.
I could go on and on about South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue. If you'd like to know more specifics about who we are and what we do, feel free to visit our website spsmsar.org, join us at our monthly team meeting, or contact us directly.
Jason Simmonds
spsmsarpio 09/22/2013
Thank you Captain for such a wonderful review
Volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, such as South Puget Sound Mobil SAR are the often; unsung, unknown community heroes. As volunteers they are not paid; indeed, they regularly expend their own money on annual training and equipment…such as their ATV’s, radios and navigational equipment. No matter the time of day or night, they respond. I commend this Search and Rescue unit on many levels, but most of all on their cohesiveness as a team. They truly exemplify the fact that there is no “I” in team.
spsmsarpio 09/19/2013
Thank you so much, we really appreciate you taking time to write such an outstanding review!
My father has been a part of this group, and I have heard first hand the amazing things in the public this group had done. I couldn't say enough good things. Everyone on the team is extremely friendly, and are always willing to help anyone!!!
spsmsarpio 09/19/2013
Thank you so much for taking time to write a review for us!
As a founding member of this organization I am very proud of the work this unit does, it exceedes it mission requirements on a daily basis. It is more than a unit of volunteers it is a family working together to help the community and surrounding area in thier time of need. This units members come into the program knowing that they are using thier own time, equipment and money to become first responders. They are on call 24/7 not for personal glory but to assist community members who are desperatly need the services of a well trained mobile search and rescue unit.
spsmsarpio 09/19/2013
Thank you so much!
This is a group of dedicated volunteers that spend their time helping others. Volunteers use their own vehicles and equipment to search and rescue injured and lost persons in a variety of environments. This team puts thousands of hours in each year in all kinds of weather. Everyone in this organization does a lot of work for the greater good. Most costs are covered by the volunteers themselves. So it leads to a very dedicated bunch.
spsmsarpio 09/19/2013
Thank you so much for taking time to write a review for us!
A great group of people that come out to help others, no matter what time day, type of weather, or distance traveled. They not only volunteer their time, but own money to equip their vehicles. The team expends thousands of hours of time, and miles. Not only do they put aside work, but time with the families. "So Others May Live"
spsmsarpio 09/19/2013
Thank you....thank you ....thank you!
These members put in many of hours helping the community in different ways. Searching for the lost, transports medical personnel in winter storms, helps local radio station raise money for children and many more. Members also do small fundraisers multiple times per year to help cover day to day & equipment costs. Although the unit pays for some items most of the costs come straight out of members pockets. Any donation or grant given is truly helpful & appreciated. They are used appropriately and will go to good use for equipment needed.
This group has put in numerous hours looking for a missing little girl. The family of the missing child requested this group come on another search with an out-of-state group that had volunteered their services...it was a little hmm out of the ordinary group of people...yet South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue did not hesitate and agreed and sent out members who came on their own dime and spent the day searching. This group always goes the extra mile for all the missing in our area posting fliers for the missing, adding decals for the missing on their vehicles. This team is made up of caring & giving individuals.
spsmsarpio 09/19/2013
Thank you so much Erin! We really appreciate you taking time to write a review for Our Unit!
A great bunch of people always out when the need arise no matter what the weather is doing or the conditions. We need more volunteers with ATV or 4X4. Thanks to all.
spsmsarpio 09/19/2013
Thank you so much Jack! I really appreciate you taking time to write a review for Our Unit!
Comments ( 1 )
spsmsarpio 09/28/2013 Wow! What a powerful moving review thank you so much for taking time to write we really appreciate it!