Albemarle County Sheriff J. E. "Chip" Harding is seeking to raise $40,000 for the renovation of a recently purchased command vehicle for his team of search and rescue volunteers.
Harding purchased the vehicle, a used Winnebago trailer, at an auction and needs the funds to optimize the vehicle for rescue operations. His department does not have access to federal grant money and must raise all necessary funds for itself.
Previously, Harding's team operated out of a 30-year-old, refurbished school bus. It broke down the last three times the team attempted to use it.
"It is just something we really need, so we are appealing to the general public," Harding said.
The money is also needed to cover the cost of certifying Harding's team, which is comprised of local volunteers, through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. The certification will allow the team to continue its searches beyond county boundaries, which could prove useful in the event of a missing person.
"This could help not only our area but our entire state," Harding said.
Harding said the command vehicle is needed to have crucial medical supplies readily on hand.
Bob Spieldenner, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, agreed that working command vehicles are necessary for search and rescue teams.
"They definitely allow better on-site coordination and support," Spieldenner said. "At the scene of an incident they can bring additional capabilities"
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