Withlacoochee Regional Search & Rescue Squad

09/10/2025

On the behalf of the Officers and Members of Withlacoochee Regional Search and Rescue Squad we send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. You will be sadly missed by all of us. God Bless and Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk, you were the one of the great ones along side of Mark Levin. The youth movement of America will not be the same without you.

09/02/2025

WARNING ⚠️ 🛑:
DON’T CLICK ON THE LINK OF AN EMAIL TITLE: ACTION REQUIRED ON 2 ATTACHED PDFs from our Chief/President/Co-founder Sam Matychak’s Personal Email Address, smfirefighter@gmail.com
His email was hacked and he would not send any business related emails through his personal email account, he would send it through Sam.Matychak@wrsars.org

Sorry for the inconvenience, but we will not sending out any emails requesting for your passwords or anything. We don’t use Docusign. Our application process is through Microsoft Word or the form you click on our Website.

For your own internet safety, if you’re always in doubt, please contact us at (352)497-8202

08/09/2025

Week before we are involved with their Pre-conference courses. One of the best experiences in our lives. 3 years and counting in participating in the SUSAR Conference, meeting teams from across the country and internationally.

Hello everyone,

We are just under 100 days away from the 2025 National US&R Conference, and I want to emphasize the importance of registering for this remarkable event. This conference is the largest gathering in Urban Search and Rescue, and it’s an incredible opportunity to enhance our skills and connect with fellow professionals in the field. Don’t miss out—make sure to sign up and be part of this pivotal experience! Check out SUSAR.ORG to get signed up.

08/05/2025

This evening our Field Physician Assistant Michael Crimi received a Life Saving Award from the City of Ocala. Congratulations P.A.Michael Crimi on your much deserved recognition.

During tonight's city council meeting, Ocala Fire Rescue awarded a life-saving commendation to four bystanders whose quick actions were instrumental in saving a life.

On June 23, Mike Crimi, Tom Culpepper, Katie Freeman, and Rafael Rosa sprang into action after witnessing a cardiac arrest at a fitness center. As emergency units were en route, they secured and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), waited for the device's analysis, and followed its recommendations to begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Their prompt intervention in administering CPR was vital in providing emergency care before professional help arrived, demonstrating their exceptional awareness and readiness to assist in a critical situation.

Mike, Tom, Katie, and Rafael, thank you for exemplifying the definition of an immediate responder and, in doing so, emphasizing the importance of rapid intervention in the golden hour.

Pictured L to R: Katie Freeman, Mike Crimi, Fire Chief Clint Welborn, Rafael Rosa, Tom Culpepper, and Mayor Ben Marciano.

08/01/2025

🚨 Public Safety Concern: Repeated Communication Line Cuts 🚨

Yesterday, Dutchess County 911 Verizon lines were cut—just weeks before a similar incident involving AT&T lines here in Central Florida, including Marion County. These disruptions are happening far too often and across multiple jurisdictions.

This is not just an inconvenience—lives are at risk. While text-to-911 is an option in some areas, nothing replaces the speed and clarity of speaking directly with an emergency operator—especially for children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.

It’s time we take serious steps to better protect and secure our communication infrastructure. Every second counts in an emergency, and reliable phone service can be the difference between life and death.

Please share this message and encourage local leaders and utility companies to prioritize the protection of critical emergency lines.

#911

07/24/2025

Today we lost a true American Hero, Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea. To the Family and Friends of Hulk Hogan, on the behalf of the Officers and Members of Withlacoochee Regional Search and Rescue Squad, Inc., we are very sorry for your lost of your beloved Hero, we send our love, prayers and deepest condolences to you all.

God bless you all and may he rest in peace. Hulk, we have it here. You have made us all better Americans.

06/29/2025

06/09/2025

JOIN OUR TEAM — MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We are a fully volunteer Wilderness & Ground Search and Rescue Unit serving ten counties across Florida. When someone is lost or in danger, we answer the call—day or night, in any conditions.

Our team includes:

🚨 Technical Rescue
🐾 K-9 Search Teams
🚤 Marine Unit
🐎 Mounted Unit
🏍️ ATV Unit
👣 Man-Tracking (“Ground Pounders”)
🩺 Medical Response

We are also Florida’s only SAR team trained in Autism-related searches, with a strong commitment to locating vulnerable individuals with cognitive or mental health challenges.

Whether you’re experienced or just passionate about helping others—we have a place for you.

Training Provided • All Skill Levels Welcome

🔍 Be the difference in someone’s worst moment.
Volunteer today.

📍 https://www.wrsars.org/
📧 contact@wrsars.org
☎️ (352)497-8202

Withlacoochee Regional Search & Rescue Join us in our mission to protect and serve the community of West Florida with unwavering dedication. Click Here Our Mission and Vision Mission: Withlacoochee Regional Search & Rescue is committed to providing exceptional search and rescue services across West....

05/27/2025

Our new website still under development Thank you toOHV Team Leader Eron Iler and Communications Team Leader Alex Dominguez for your hard work and dedication on the New Website and the Organization Interanet.

With the New Website, the General Public will have Access to our Meeting, Training, and Event, some general items like an application, donation button, how to contact certain individuals, fundraising events, information on different Units/divisions and much more. Our new website is more advanced then our old site and allows us to interact with you, the general public much more freely. Stay tune for the OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT when the Website is complete and ready for you to use. So swing by and take a sneak peek

Withlacoochee Regional Search & Rescue Join us in our mission to protect and serve the community of West Florida with unwavering dedication. Click Here Our Mission and Vision Mission: Withlacoochee Regional Search & Rescue is committed to providing exceptional search and rescue services across West....

04/20/2025

The Officers and Members of Withlacoochee Regional Search & Rescue Squad would like to extend warmest wishes to everyone for a joyous Easter with their families!!! He has Risen!!! God Bless!!!