Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

Greeting from MASAR President
Thomas Hale

MidAmerica Search and Rescue was formed in March of 2001 from members of other search groups who were unhappy with the politics and practices of the organizations they had experienced. I wanted to find a different way to bring talented people and animals together to achieve a common goal of exceptional service to those in need. Although MASAR has formal policies and procedures, a high value is placed on the individual's expertise and aspirations.
Members are encouraged to pursue various aspects of search and rescue work and choose a path for themselves that allows their own unique personalities to thrive in a sometimes difficult working environment. This unconventional approach seems to keep quality motivated volunteers that are satisfied in their position and reliable when they are needed. I want to make the organization fit the people, not the other way around.

As founder of MASAR, I have been consistently proud of my people and consider them valued friends. They have performed well in every situation, from tolerating my woeful computer illiteracy, through tornados, cadavers and lost children, mosquitoes, poison ivy, and the ever-present multi-flora rose bushes, their dedication and tolerance humbles me. Thank you Laura, Dan, MaryJo, Jeanie, John, Kim, Brian, Jeff, all my canine friends and above all the good Lord without whom this creation would not have been possible.

Thomas Hale
President and Technical Training Officer
MidAmerica Search and Rescue

Mission Statement

1. To provide at no charge and for the benefit of the public, trained ground searchers, trained canines and handlers for the search of persons lost, trapped or incapacitated upon the request of any official agency day or night under any conditions in which a searcher can efficiently operate.

2. To provide current and relevant training to all members and canines in all types of environments and situations to assure competent and capable teams.

3. To equip search teams, canines and handlers with state of the art tools, materials and personal protective equipment to safely, quickly and efficiently operate in a hazardous environment or situation.

4. To quickly and safely respond to:

5. To cooperate and communicate with other agencies and teams to allow a quick and efficient resolution to the situation.

6. To assist in cadaver location with appropriate law enforcement oversight.