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Albemarle County Search and Rescue Training

The Albemarle County Sheriff's Office is searching for some qualified volunteers to join its search and rescue team.

Saturday the sheriff's office held search and rescue training at the Albemarle County Office Building.  The training included lessons in search operation, navigation, and rescue procedures. About 30 potential volunteers showed up to the training.

Lieutenant Thomas Payne of the Albemarle County Reserve Unit said, "Our search and rescue unit is based on primarily volunteers on our reserve unit and the civilians that assist us.  So the larger we can expand that group the more likely we can have the resources to respond to a serious search."

The sheriff's office says search and rescue volunteers are a vital part of its operations. The office hopes to reach a strength of 200 volunteers by summer.  That's when the county sees the greatest need for search and rescue teams.

For more information on becoming a search and rescue volunteer, contact Lt. Tom Payne @ 434-981-3731 or e-mail Sheriff@albemarle.org