Search Team 5-1

History of Volunteer Search and Rescue in New York State

 In 1984, New York State passed legislation that placed the authority to establish, maintain, and operate search and rescue missions on the Department of Environmental Conservation and its Forest Rangers. Knowing that they would need help, the DEC created a basic course for volunteers.  In 1986, Explorer Scout Post 5-1, led by team founder John Washburn, of Washburn Road, Northville NY, completed this course.  In 1987, Search Team 5-1 was created by the members of Explorer Scout Post 5-1.  This new team was also the first team in Region 5, also making "5-1" an appropriate moniker. 

The New York State Forest Rangers respond to hundreds of searches annually, utilizing volunteer search and rescue an average of 15 times per year.  The types of missing persons range from lost hikers and hunters to those missing due Alzheimer’s, dementia, despondence, or autism.  We've also aided law enforcement with searches related to abductions, and criminal actions.  On a few occasions, we have even searched for plane crash victims and retraced cold cases in search of clues.

Search Team 5-1, Inc.

Search Team 5-1 is a volunteer organization incorporated and funded by our dues and donations.  Our members pay for their own equipment, clothing, and travel expenses.  We are a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible to our contributors.  As with all members of the New York State Federation of Search and Rescue Teams, Team 5-1 members are first trained and certified by the Forest Rangers to assist as needed in searching for lost or missing persons.  Members are encouraged to participate in the team's annual May training weekend (see Join page).  We currently have a roster of 40 members, many having extensive wilderness experience (including licensed guides).  We have fifteen NYSDEC certified crew bosses, six of those meeting Searcher-One status (a more advanced training to allow members to take lead in the field while assisting the NYS Forest Rangers).  Our team also includes a dedicated group of “long distance” volunteers who are willing to travel beyond our focus area to assist as needed.  Crew bosses are kept current on CPR and first aid training at the team’s expense.  

Since our formation, the team has responded to dozens of searches, providing assistance in numerous positive outcome results. Team 5-1 primarily services Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie, Schenectady, Saratoga, and Hamilton counties, but will travel farther if needed.  Although we are usually activated by the NYS DEC Forest Rangers, we have worked with many other agencies (i.e. County Sheriff's and local police). 

Search Team 5-1 has also contributed their time and experience to various community projects such as assisting the Boy Scouts in disaster preparedness training as well as map and compass classes for the Scouts, ADK hiking chapters, and volunteer firemen.

We are proud to serve whenever and wherever the need arises in a rapid, effective, professional manner!

Team 5-1 Headquarters

Our headquarters is located on State Rt. 10A, just west of Johnstown.  We are right next to Rockwood State Forest!  (see Team HQ page)

Mission Statement:  Search Team 5-1, Inc. assists the New York State Department of Conservation, specifically the New York State Forest Rangers, to meet their responsibility to…”organize, direct and execute search and rescue missions for persons lost, injured or in serious danger of injury, in the wild, remote and forested areas of fire towns and fire districts of New York State (NYS Legislature 1984)