The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Volunteer Rescue Squad is an organization dedicated to assisting the St. Louis County Sheriff in fulfilling the duties of the office with regard to search and rescue of lost or missing persons and to respond to water or other emergencies where the Rescue Squad’s unique training and specialized equipment can be invaluable in saving lives.
In 2008, the Rescue Squad will see their 1000th water mission; roll on their 7000th operation; and on August 23rd will hit their 50th Anniversary. The water fatality total is 360 (since the Rescue Squad was formed in 1958). Only 9 of those victims were wearing a life jacket.
Rescue Squad members volunteered a total of 24,065 hours in 2007. This is the third highest total in their history. In 2007 they participated in 343 operations, the second highest total in their history. Two new records were set in 2007: the number of woods missions and the number of people assisted in the woods.
Rescue Squad members participated in 351 operations in 2006, easily breaking the old record of 312, set in 2005. The Rescue Squad volunteered over 25,000 hours to the residents of St. Louis County and the region.
Numbers like these would be impossible without the generous support of St.Louis County residents and businesses during our annual fundraising drive. Quite simply, we couldn't accomplish our mission without your support!
The Rescue Squad is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to respond to emergencies.