A new local search and rescue team got an unofficial start Monday after a 2-year-old boy went missing in a Preemption corn field. Authorities said Mason walked away from his play area and went right into the fields behind the house. Thanks to help of hundreds of volunteers, he was found five hours later. The boy was not hurt and just happy to be home. Many of those who helped find him are people in the process of starting a search and rescue team in Mercer County.
About two weeks ago Jennifer Richardson approached the Mercer County Sheriff's Department about starting a search team. She said her dad started one in Henry County, and after a little girl went missing in the Loud Thunder Forest Preserve a couple of months ago, she wanted to do the same in Mercer County. She said Mason's disappearance proved the need for an organized group.
"We really need the help and support of the community, because without the community it's really hard to do the job," Richardson said.
"It's very beneficial, we find anyone, it doesn't have to be kids. We go out for Alzheimer's patients, anyone that's lost, fisherman, mushroom pickers, or anyone like that."
Richardson said while the group still has not held their first official meeting, interest has grown, and she has already started training her horses, which are also used in Henry County searches. She said there were even some people on horseback during the search for Mason.
"Horses can cover more ground, go through a lot more than people can. They have very keen eyesight and hearing and can pick up anything you might not be able to."
Pamela Lowery has been through the Henry County search and rescue training and said she is excited to see a group starting in the area where she lives.
"I love the idea, I think it's an excellent idea, there have been three incidents within the last year that I can think of."
She said, like in the case of Mason, many people want to help when someone is lost, but do not always know how.
"Now I can get involved and know what to do and what not to do," Lowery said.
The team will be having it's first informational meeting on Tuesday, August 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Jail Annex in Aledo. You do not have to live in Mercer County to join the rescue team or have a horse. Richardson said you just need to be willing to help. If you have more questions you can call Jennifer Richardson at (309) 644-1382.
