STANTON, Ky. — Rural search and rescue groups in different counties throughout the Commonwealth consist of volunteers, and getting funds can be a challenge.

What You Need To Know

  • Rural search and rescue groups are made up of volunteers

  • Volunteers have said getting funding for equipment can be challenging  

  • Search and rescue teams apply for grants through Kentucky Emergency Management and rely on donations to get equipment

  • Volunteers purchase their own equipment, which can cost thousands of dollars

Kentucky Emergency Management has $100,000 that goes toward search and rescue groups, said Brian McKinney of Powell County Search and Rescue. The different teams apply for grants to get some of that money, which goes toward equipment.

“We certainly need a lot of resources to be able to make these type of responses possible," said Jeffrey Thurman of RedSTAR Wilderness EMS. "Funding for us is always a problem, so I do think, at least at the high level, we do need funding from public sources." 

Volunteers practiced setting a quick line and repelling off of a cliff. (Spectrum News 1/Geraldine Torrellas)

Rural search and rescue groups also take donations for equipment that will help with responding to emergencies.

“It takes thousands of dollars to get harnesses, chest packs, all of the gear you see us using,” McKinney said. “Most individuals, when they’re all finished, will spend about $2,000 just on equipment.”

While it takes a lot of work, along with sometimes working in less than desirable conditions, McKinney said he’s glad to do it.

“We all do it because we love what we’re doing,” McKinney said. 

More information about donating to Powell County Search and Rescue can be found on its website. RedSTAR Wilderness EMS also has a PayPal page for donations. 

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