The Sunflower County Search and Rescue unit held its annual Christmas dinner recently and in addition to the bountiful potluck provisions, the volunteers and their families were treated to a very informational presentation from 33-year law enforcement veteran Tim Powell.
He talked to the group about the strenuous training necessary to become a state trooper. He said the process was difficult to describe, but as an illustration, he said the most recent class started at 2 p.m., on December 1 with 57 cadets and before nightfall they were down to 43.
He said one man was just standing in line watching the cadet in front of him go through the training and suddenly declared, “Ya’ll, this is not for me,” and walked off. Powell said patrol school is a 22-week process and “it’s no joke.”
Powell, who is also an MBI investigator, talked to the rescue workers about his career-long experiences, the correct ways to handle crime scenes so that the location is not compromised, the importance of proper documentation, and the volunteer’s safety.
Another highlight of the annual event is the naming of the volunteer who receives the distinguished service award for the year and this year’s recipient is Morgan Hudson.
President Stan Bennett said Hudson received a unanimous vote from the SAR award’s committee. “I’ve seen this person work, getting folks out of flooded houses and I’ve seen her wrapping cable off of a wrecker in a boat in the river trying to recover a stolen car. Any time Morgan Hudson shows up, she’s going to help you,” Bennett said.
The group also honored retiring District 3 Sunflower County Supervisor, Dennis Holmes. Bennett said Holmes has been very instrumental in getting one of the group’s latest undertakings, a suitable structure to serve as a headquarters and storage unit for their equipment, completed. “He’s been very hands on, out there making sure things were done right and bringing stuff up before the board,” Bennett said.
SAR member Kenneth Luna was also recognized for having successfully completed the unmanned aircraft part 107 rule certification process to become a licensed drone pilot.
Additionally, each year, as part of their effort to raise funds for additional equipment and supplies, the SAR unit conducts a raffle and this year’s winner of the $500 prize is Glenda Cordell.
