ACERT Special Operations

05/18/2026

Lincoln County Georgia:

Sunday evening, the Abbeville County Department of Public Safety was contacted in reference to a mutual aid request from Lincoln County, Georgia, near the McCormick County, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia area.

The request was for ACERT’s Search & Rescue division and any additional available assets, to assist with locating a missing 14-year-old juvenile with medical and other concerns that placed the individual in danger.

ACERT firmly believes: “If you want a friend, be a friend.” Over the years, our county and teams have received tremendous support during large-scale incidents, and we remain committed to assisting neighboring communities whenever possible.

ACERT personnel started mobilizing at 0700. ACERT arrived with a scheduled briefing alongside the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. We cannot say enough about the professionalism, hospitality, coordination, and leadership displayed by the Sheriff himself of Lincoln County and their personnel throughout today’s operation.

ACERT was able to provide:
• Special Operations Command staff
• Incident Management and support operations
• Mapping, graphing, and tracking software
• K-9 Zeke and handler Cheryl
• Medical personnel
• Scuba divers
• Search & Rescue personnel
• Technical Rescue personnel

Our teams were proud to provide a strong work ethic and some of our most experienced search personnel to assist with the mission.

Search operations began at approximately with very limited leading clues. Initial operations focused on aggressive hasty search assignments targeting high-probability areas while the SOC Group worked to establish better operational guidance for potential grid search operations. The initial search area stretched from the South Carolina state line all the way to Columbia County, Georgia, making it tough.

During the deployment, ACERT personnel also assisted with a separate emergency involving an individual stranded along the shoreline of Clarks Hill Lake (Lake Thurmond) in a remote area several miles from access points. The individual had reportedly been without food or water for 4+ hours and was experiencing minor medical issues. ACERT Ranger 1 and ACERT Ranger 2 deployed a recon team, successfully located the individual, and safely transferred the patient to awaiting EMS personnel.

At approximately 1645 hours, the missing juvenile was located and transferred to local officials to be checked out. The subject appeared to be in good health.

This marks a successful day of teamwork, coordination, and regional cooperation. ACERT units are now returning safely back into Abbeville County.

Great work by all agencies involved.

05/15/2026

05/15/2026

Member spotlight.

ACERT Rescue Technician Da'Marquise Jackson serves within the Technical Rescue, Search & Rescue, and Water Rescue divisions, where he has become known as a dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking boots-on-the-ground operator. To know DJ is truly to love DJ. Over the years, we have watched him continue to grow both personally and professionally, always serving others with heart, humility, and commitment to the mission.

DJ also proudly serves as a full-time Engineer with the Laurens City Fire Department, volunteers with Abbeville County Fire Service, and continues to dedicate countless hours to ACERT operations and training.

We are incredibly proud to see DJ recognized for his service after being named the South Carolina American Legion Firefighter of the Year and now advancing as a nominee for National Firefighter of the Year. This recognition reflects not only his work ethic and professionalism, but the type of person he is every single day — someone who serves others before himself and represents the fire service with honor.

Congratulations, DJ. Your ACERT family is proud of you and thankful to serve alongside you.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DwUunURXQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/15/2026

Due West:

Jake the Donkey Rescued by ACERT Special Operations Team

Sunday, February 15, 2026 | Abbeville County, South Carolina.

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, what began as a call for a missing farm animal turned into a powerful example of how Abbeville County’s public safety system is designed to work — and why the community can trust it.

The Abbeville County Department of Public Safety operates under five coordinated divisions:

• ACDPS Fire

• ACDPS EMS

• ACDPS ACERT Special Operations

• ACDPS Emergency Management

• ACDPSEmergency Communications

ACERT functions as the county’s Special Operations component, working closely with to support the mission, while operating under the unified Abbeville County Public Safety structure. That system ensures the right resources are requested, deployed, and coordinated efficiently.

On February 15, 2026, a request for drone assistance for a missing donkey was made to the County Fire Coordinator, who immediately chuckled at the request. But he contacted ACERT UAS Team Lead Bryan Mullet. Pilot Bryan Mullet and Pilot Chandler White launched the drone into rainy conditions and began a structured grid search over steep, wooded terrain.

Jake the donkey was located within 20 minutes of flight time.

He had fallen into a ravine — wet, muddy from steady rain, and unable to get himself upright. The outcome did not look good.

From that moment forward, ACERT’s Technical Rescue Team was fully activated.

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A Diverse Team with Real-World Skill

Nearly 20 ACERT members responded. Firefighters. Medics. Law enforcement officers. Drone pilots. Emergency managers. Communications professionals. Volunteers who train relentlessly in rope rescue, search management, large animal rescue, medical operations, anything that’s not normal.

Among them was a Clemson Extension agent, Lucy, one of our dedicated members. Several others are avid farmers. Many have hands-on experience with livestock far beyond textbook knowledge. That diversity matters.

As rope rescue systems were being planned and set up for a possible haul operation, the team first focused on what mattered most — securing and stabilizing Jake.

The terrain was slick and unstable. Equipment was carried by hand. The donkey, weighing approximately 250 pounds, could not lift his head anymore, much less stand on his own.

Our K-9 medic Cheryl and Lucy were phenomenal with patient care. Ozzy, Sammy, Kirsten, and Mongo stood shoulder to shoulder in the mud, holding Jake upright in a sling to prevent further injury while care was coordinated. Others rotated in and out, reinforcing, adjusting, supporting — exactly how a well-trained team functions.

The priority was clear: stabilize first, move second.

Jake was secured, supported, and carefully transferred into a Stokes basket for transport out of the ravine. ACERT Ranger 2 moved him back to the residence where treatment could be provided safely and thoroughly.

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Compassion, Commitment, and Two Hours of Care

Back at the home, medical care began in earnest.

Over the next two hours, fluids were administered — two full bags — while the team monitored Jake closely. Treatment was deliberate, steady, and patient. No rush. No frustration. Just quiet professionalism.

After hours of effort, Jake stood on his own.

He began to eat.

For the family, that moment meant everything.

Nearly 20 responders gave up their Sunday afternoon for a patient that wasn’t human — and not one complained. Not once. Because to that family, Jake is family.

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The Calls You Don’t See

ACERT runs many missions throughout the year. Many are sensitive in nature. Many are not posted publicly out of respect for those we serve. The community often never sees the long nights, the difficult recoveries, the emotional weight carried quietly by responders.

But this one is different.

Jake didn’t disagree with being featured.

And most of us can relate to a little stubbornness now and then.

A good belly rub today was all the confirmation anyone needed that he was thankful.

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A System That Works

This rescue was not just about a donkey in a ravine.

It was about a public safety system built on coordination across five divisions.

It was about specialized training meeting real-world experience.

It was about nearly 20 volunteers showing up without hesitation.

It was about compassion backed by competence.

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Abbeville County witnessed what happens when diverse skill, strong leadership, and servant-hearted commitment come together under one unified Department of Public Safety.

When the call comes — human or not — ACERT answers.

05/15/2026

Dixie High School - Due West:

On March 4th, ACERT personnel provided public service support for a community cross-country color run and 5K run event. ACERT Rescue 3, ACERT Ranger 2, ACERT Medical Team and additional ACERT personnel were on scene to assist with event safety, course support, and rapid access if needed.

This event was a great opportunity for ACERT to support the community outside of emergency response operations. Public service details like this help strengthen relationships, promote safety, and allow our team to remain engaged with the citizens and visitors we serve.

ACERT is proud to support community events while standing ready to respond when called.

05/15/2026

Gray Court: On March 31, the ACERT Dive Team was notified and placed on standby at the request of Laurens County Emergency Services for a possible drowning incident at a private lake in Laurens County.

Shortly after the initial standby notification, ACERT Dive Team personnel were formally requested to respond and assist dive operations in the search and recovery efforts for a potential drowning victim.

Upon arrival, Lauren’s County divers were actively operating in the water while South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) personnel conducted coordinated grid search operations utilizing marine assets and sonar equipment. Search efforts continued until after dark, at which time operations were suspended for responder safety. All responding agencies and dive personnel were notified of a 0900 operational period 2 return time the following morning. SCDNR personnel planned to resume earlier operations utilizing boat-mounted scanning equipment prior to diver deployment.

Before Operational Period 2 began for ACERT personnel departing Abbeville County, SCDNR successfully located the victim utilizing sonar and monitoring equipment. SCDNR Dive Team personnel then conducted recovery operations. No further ACERT resources were requested.

ACERT extends our thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, responders, and community affected by this tragic incident. We appreciate the professionalism and teamwork displayed by all agencies involved throughout the operation.

05/14/2026

4-22-26

Drone Team activation:
Keowee Wildland Fire

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LEPC Haz Mat training:
Abbeville EOC

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Dive Team training:
Calhoun Falls

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Bible Study
Abbeville EOC

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The day began with Public Safety Bible Study, followed by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting coordinated through the Office of Emergency Management.

ACDPS Personnel then transitioned directly into scheduled ACERT dive team training operations.

As crews were concluding training and beginning equipment breakdown, a large brush fire was dispatched within the County Fire District 5 and 3 response areas. Due to Red Flag conditions, low humidity, wind, and dry fuels, the incident rapidly intensified into a significant wildland fire with aggressive fire spread and involvement in the tops of trees.

At the request of FC-1, the ACERT Drone Team was activated to provide aerial support and incident intelligence operations. Drone resources assisted with:

• Aerial surveillance and fire observation
• Identification of access points and terrain concerns
• Monitoring for spot fires and fire spread
• Acreage mapping and situational awareness
• Personnel accountability and operational tracking utilizing CalTopo and SARTopo platforms
• Overall operational safety oversight from an aerial perspective

ACERT remains committed to supporting any requesting agency with specialized resources during complex incidents. Some of our available support capabilities include Drone Operations, Incident Management Team (IMT), Incident Support Team (IST), rehabilitation resources, specialized rescue personnel, water, off-road and UTV response assets, and additional operational support resources.

05/14/2026

Due West: On 4/23/26, the ACERT Drone Team was activated at the request of local law enforcement agencies in response to a vehicle pursuit involving a motor vehicle collision with the suspect fleeing on foot into a wooded area.

ACERT Drone Team responded with three personnel and deployed night vision and thermal imaging drone operations to assist with the search efforts. The suspect had fled approximately 2.5 miles toward a nearby highway and was reportedly awaiting a pickup vehicle.

Using aerial thermal and night vision capabilities, ACERT personnel were able to quickly identify the suspect’s location in thick cover and maintain visual observation from above without the suspect being aware. Drone operators were also able to identify and monitor the potential pickup vehicle while providing real-time intelligence to officers on the ground.

The aerial platform allowed responding law enforcement officers to safely monitor the suspect’s movements, observe his hands for potential weapons, evaluate possible escape routes, and coordinate a safe apprehension strategy.

Through strong interagency teamwork and the use of advanced drone technology, law enforcement officers were able to safely and effectively apprehend the suspect without further incident.

This incident highlights the value of the ACERT Drone Team and the strong working relationship between ACERT and our partnering law enforcement agencies. Great work by everyone involved.

05/14/2026

Watts Community: On 04/26/2026, the Abbeville County Emergency Response Team (ACERT) Coordinator, Marty Thomas, was contacted regarding a missing eight-year-old child in a rural wooded area of Abbeville County. Coordinator Thomas and Abbeville County Sheriffs Office personnel arrived quickly and began a hasty search. Preparing for larger scene coordination, and operational planning, the ACERT Special Operations Command Group was subsequently notified and activated.

The ACERT Drone Team deployed two drone platforms along with additional drone spotters to begin aerial surveillance operations over the search area. Simultaneously, the Special Operations Logistics Team initiated mapping and operational planning through SARTOPO.

The ACERT Incident Management Team, including Tactical Dispatch personnel, responded to the scene to assist with communications, establish staging, the CP, resource tracking, and operational coordination.

Once it was determined that all immediate locations on the property had been checked, a larger operational response was initiated. K-9 deployment, expanded drone operations, and activation of the ACERT Search & Rescue Team were established, along with additional support resources from the Abbeville County Fire Service. A staging area was established as crews prepared for extended search operations within an extremely challenging environment consisting of approximately 63,000 acres of wooded terrain between paved roadways.

Approximately one hour and fourteen minutes into the operation, contact was successfully made with the missing child approximately 1.4 miles from the original location. The child had reportedly gone searching for his dog, which later returned home safely. Thankfully, the child was located safely and reunited with family members.

As with many families raising young children, situations can develop quickly, and boys will often simply be boys. We are thankful for a safe outcome and for the professionalism displayed by all responding agencies and volunteers throughout this operation.

We would also like to sincerely thank the community for the overwhelming support, assistance, and cooperation during this incident. Public awareness, communication, and community involvement remain critical components during search operations of this nature.

Additionally, we would like to reiterate the information and guidance shared in the public letter released several days ago regarding scene safety, operational integrity, and the importance of allowing trained personnel to conduct organized search efforts safely and effectively.

Community Assistance Information:

Thank you for your willingness to assist during these type of incidents. Your support and concern for our community are greatly appreciated.

For the safety of all involved, and to protect the integrity of active operations and investigations, only personnel formally assigned to the incident, affiliated with an approved response team, and operating under recognized training and command structure may actively participate within the operational area.

This includes specialized operations such as:
• Search & Rescue
• Technical Rescue
• Drone Operations
• K-9 Operations
• Air Operations
• Dive/Water Rescue
• Law Enforcement Investigations
• Emergency Medical Operations C

Current operations may involve coordinated use of:
• Helicopter and air support assets
• Drone/UAS teams
• K-9 tracking teams
• Technical rescue and search personnel
• Law enforcement investigators
• Emergency communications and command staff

These resources operate from carefully managed clues, timelines, tracks, witness information, scent trails, and coordinated operational plans. Unauthorized freelancing, self-deployment, or independent searching in active operational areas can unintentionally disrupt search patterns, contaminate evidence, interfere with K-9 tracking efforts, distract air operations, and reduce the effectiveness of coordinated response efforts.

We respectfully ask all community members and volunteers to:
• Please return and monitor your own property.
• Check your homes, buildings, vehicles, outbuildings, and surrounding areas.
• Secure any animals that may interfere with Search & Rescue teams, drones or K-9 operations.
• Review any available security cameras, trail cameras, or surveillance footage. Notify the Command Staff of locations of cameras.
• Report any suspicious activity, important information, or relevant video footage to the Command Post immediately.
• If possible, remain in a location such as your porch, driveway, or another safe vantage point where you can observe your property and surrounding area.
• Call 864-366-8451 with important information to be relayed to the Command Post.

The best assistance the community can provide is to remain alert, observe carefully, and promptly report information to responding personnel.

Your cooperation allows specialized teams to remain focused, organized, and effective while protecting the integrity and safety of the operation.

Thank you for your support, patience, and partnership with Public Safety personnel.