The West Virginia Search and Rescue Council has been formed and has held organizational meetings to begin the process of setting training standards and protocols for all search and rescue teams in West Virginia.

WVDHSEM has acquired a SAR utility vehicle to be used to transport personnel, equipment, or recovered victims. A Kawasaki Mule has been purchased for this purpose and can be deployed anywhere in the State when needed. The vehicle is currently stored at the Big Chimney facility and is being equipped with essential SAR gear.

WVDHSEM is currently in the process of obtaining two mobile radio repeaters to be deployed when needed to provide coordinated communications for SAR efforts.