Our Story
Ohio LandSAR was founded in March 2015 by Chief John Adams, whose 26-year career in Search and Rescue has been instrumental in shaping our organization. Chief Adams’ vision was simple but powerful — to build a professional, statewide volunteer network ready to respond when lives are on the line.
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What began as a small group of dedicated volunteers has grown into a respected and reliable organization with over 50 active members across Ohio. Today, we continue to expand our ranks, enhance our capabilities, and strengthen our partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to better serve our communities.
Who We Are
Ohio LandSAR focuses on providing expert assistance in locating missing persons, particularly in wilderness areas and challenging terrain. Our trained volunteers bring specialized skills in tracking, navigation, communication, search coordination, and emergency medical care.
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We work closely with law enforcement, emergency management, and other public safety partners to conduct effective and efficient search operations — ensuring that every mission is handled with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
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In addition to active search operations, Ohio LandSAR is committed to training and education. We provide regular exercises to prepare volunteers for field deployment and offer outreach to raise awareness about missing persons cases and emergency preparedness.
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Why Your Support Matters
Ohio LandSAR is 100% volunteer-powered and depends on community donations and partnerships to stay mission-ready. Your contributions fund critical training, safety gear, communications tools, and deployment resources that allow our volunteers to respond quickly and effectively.
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When you support Ohio LandSAR, you’re not just giving — you’re helping save lives. You’re making sure that when the call comes, trained teams are ready to respond.
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Together, we can ensure no one faces their darkest moments alone.