Team History

The Massasauga Search and Rescue Team was formed in 1974 following a search for a lost hiker in the Bergen Swamp, which is located West of Rochester, New York.

Our name comes from the rare Massasauga rattlesnake that resides in the swamp.

Team Capabilities

• Search Management, Grid Search Unit, Water Search, Canine Search Unit, Man-tracking, Mountain Bike Unit, Rope Rescue, Mobile Command Post. 

• The Team is capable of assisting with and, if requested, conducting non-fugitive search operations in any type of terrain or weather.

• Team members are trained in and regularly practice search techniques, clue awareness, crime-scene preservation, search crew leadership, map-and-compass, wilderness navigation, and survival techniques. 

 

• The Team is equipped with FM communications, topographical maps of New York State, technical rescue gear, and other support items. 

 

• Most members have completed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Wilderness Search and Rescue training course. 

 

• Many members have completed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Crew Boss Course and are trained to lead inexperienced volunteers in the field. 

 

• Canine units conduct regular training sessions to develop and maintain skills in water, snow burial, cadaver, building and area search scenarios and are capable of operation with track-trail or air scent methods in either discrimination or general scent modes.

 

• Equipment and trained personnel are available to conduct safe, efficient search operations for drowned, submerged subjects in river or lake environments.