When 20-year-old Jenni-Lyn Watson disappeared, the Wilderness Search and Rescue Team responded. Searching for days and looking for any signs of the Liverpool woman.
As Robert Peters watched that unfold, he wanted to find out more about the crew scouring the woods. "I thought geez, I could help out," he said. Monday night, he joined dozens of people who were looking for more information about the search crew. The group is now recruiting new volunteers to answer the call when someone is missing.
"I already have some wilderness and survival skills from working with the Boy Scouts so I think I would really enjoy this and I also like helping people," said Michael Burns.
Organizers say you don't need any prior experience but it is best suited for someone who likes to be outdoors, and can hike through tough terrain. The search group hosts a 3-month academy, which starts in April and has 4 classes a month. It will teach new volunteers everything from land navigation, to first aid and crime scene awareness. Plus what you need to look for when out on a search.
"You are looking for a sign or clue, like a footprint or a dropped item. Or any particular patterns in the woods that are out of place," said Trish Jubinville, with the Wilderness Search and Rescue Team.
The group responds to about 12 calls a year to help search for a missing person. "People probably hear more often about the cases that don't have great outcomes, but there are plenty that have profoundly great outcomes. And it's nice to know at the end of the day that someone has been brought home safely," said Jubinville.
"I just think it's a worth while thing to do. A way to help and something I can do with my husband. So I think it's going to work for us," said Diane Fitzgibbon who wants to volunteer.
If you are interested in joining the group, you can find an application here.
