Superior Search & Rescue (SSAR) voted for new leadership on October 14th after the previous president stepped down from the role. Darian Reed, a SSAR volunteer was voted by its membership to be the next president of the organization, Todd Fox was voted in as vice-president. Darian Reed, a member of the organization for four years, has overseen grant acquisitions and has dedicated his efforts to implement and operate the SSAR UAV program. He also acts as Logistics Chief to assist coordinating the resources needed for an incident. 

“I look forward to leading this organization into the future and taking the steps necessary to better serve the Copper Country,” Darian Reed said. “I also want to highlight the stronger focus we are placing on training our volunteers. The training will be designed around unique and realistic experiences.”

To assist in bolstering the new training program, Superior Search & Rescue has brought in two new Training Officers: Patrick Diedrich and Makinon Herbert. Patrick, a retired Army Sergeant First Class, spent time in southwest Asia conducting combat reconnaissance, and has assisted in humanitarian aid missions in the United States. He has earned a B.S. in Computer Information Systems, a Master of Forestry, and is presently on track to receive a Master of Business Administration and Post-Secondary STEM Teaching Certificate in the spring of 2022 from Michigan Technological University. Makinon, a full-time firefighter and paramedic brings his expertise in technical rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, and structural collapse. He is certified as a Divemaster and as SCUBA diving instructor. The structure of this new training will involve a blended classroom style that integrates online training, in-person classroom learning, and outdoor interactive exercises. With Patrick and Makinon at the helm of the training program, Superior Search and Rescue expects its membership to increase in the years to come. The first training cycle starts in January and will run through March. 

Houghton County Sheriff Josh Saaranen, who fully supports the team, has strengthened the departments partnership with Superior Search and Rescue by assigning a liaison. This liaison will train with the SSAR team and will be on-scene during real-world SAR operations. By working closely with local emergency and law enforcement services, SSAR will be able to decrease time coordinating resources and expedite operations with greater efficacy.

Superior Search & Rescue is a local non-profit organization and does not charge for any of its services to the counties it serves, or to individuals and their families. It is composed entirely of volunteers from the community and dedicates itself to keeping the Copper Country safe. If you wish to join the team, or support the team by making a donation, please visit superiorsar.org to learn more.