Inter-agency search and rescue exercise slated for Aug. 29

BARABOO, Wis. — The skies above parts of southwestern Wisconsin will be busy with planes, helicopters and non-military unmanned aerial systems as emergency responders and the National Guard test their plans in a search and rescue exercise to be held Thursday, August 29, 2019.

Various local, state and federal agencies will be participating in the search and rescue exercise in Dyracuse Recreational Park in Adams County, Sauk Prairie Recreational Area (former Badger Army Ammunition Plant) and Devil’s Lake State Park near Baraboo. The exercise is jointly coordinated by the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Wisconsin Department of Administration, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and local agencies.

The public should not be concerned if they notice an increased emergency responder presence, aircraft, military personnel, vehicles and equipment, or non-military unmanned aerial vehicles operating in these areas during the exercises.  A Wisconsin Army National Guard helicopter will lift a training manikin from the bluffs of Devil’s Lake State Park as part of the exercise.

“This search and rescue exercise provides a great opportunity for various agencies to work together and learn about aerial search and rescue capabilities,” said Baraboo Fire Chief Kevin Stieve.  “We never know when we will need aerial assets to help find and rescue missing or injured people.”   

The goal of the exercise is to increase and practice the coordination, policies, and procedures to request and use air assets for search and rescue.

Participating in the exercise are the Wisconsin Drone Network, Wisconsin National Guard, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin DNR, Trail Ambassadors, Civil Air Patrol and local agencies.  

CONTACT: Capt. Joe Trovato | [email protected] | 608-242-3048 

Derrick Mayoleth

For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.