The New Jersey State Police Urban Search and Rescue Unit hosted a camping trip for Troop 95 of Sparta and Troop 76 of Ringwood. Over the weekend of May 17-19, 35 scouts completed the Search and Rescue (SAR) Merit Badge.
The scouts had the opportunity to go on Black Hawk helicopters from the 150th Army National Guard and see their flight facilities. The scouts also went on the Urban Search and Rescue’s rubble pile where the Task Force trains for structure collapse and other large emergencies. They got to learn about and watch how all types of search K-9s work, including cadaver or a live find. They learned how to plan a search, conduct both hasty and grid search, and how to package and carry an injured subject in a litter (basket).
All scouts had a great time and are excited to help assist the instructors at the next SAR weekend.
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Many thanks to all the instructors from New Jersey Search and Rescue, NJ State Police Urban Search and Rescue Unit, NJ Task Force 1, Central Jersey K-9, NJ Army National Guard 150th Air Battalion, and the Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation staff who graciously fit us in along with 300 scouts for another camporee, who made this event possible.
