I have been a part of the New Jersey (Wilderness) Search and Rescue team since 2019. Ever since day one, I’ve watched the team consistently raise the bar, chasing and evolving best practices, and grow into one of the most respected search and rescue organizations in the Northeast. Our 60 active mission-ready members are a key asset to law enforcement agencies, who have us respond to search and rescue calls across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Although we are dispatched by law enforcement agencies, we receive no government funding and we never charge for our services.  We are on call 24/7/365, train every month and in all types of weather and terrain to be ready for the moment someone is in need. "Rain, snow, and 20 below" some would say. Being a part of this team has challenged me to better my skills in the outdoors and myself as a person. This organization ignited my passion for all things RESCUE in a way that I don't think many others could. My teammates exemplify what it means to come together for a greater good, and strive for excellence as they do it. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2025, we face a critical need: upgrading our vehicle. We have always had 30 or 40-year-old hand-me-down vehicles from other government agencies that never lived up to the challenges we face. We have not had a fully functioning vehicle since I have been on the team. It’s a major financial challenge for an all-volunteer team that receives no government funding. We rely 100% on internal and community support.
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Please help us reach our goal of $75,000 so we can purchase a dependable vehicle. Help us to help you! Your donation will have a direct impact by helping us reach those in distress faster, more safely, and more effectively — and ultimately bring more people home. If you are not in a position to donate, sharing this campaign with friends and family is another powerful way to support our mission. Thank you for considering.