Mid Atlantic Regional Search and Rescue

10/17/2026

10/17/2026

Some photos from the NJ SAREX. Several members attended the training.

Full Grip K9,SAREX 2026,

10/13/2026

10/05/2026

It’s with a heavy heart that we share the passing of retired K‑9 Storm. Storm had a heart of gold and brought joy to everyone he met. Trained as a live‑find air‑scent dog, he dedicated his career to searching thousands of acres across NJ and PA, always ready to work and always eager to help.

Storm quickly earned the nickname “the Mayor” in our neighborhood, proudly pulling my wife from person to person on evening walks so he could greet everyone with love. He never discriminated — every person was a friend, every moment an opportunity to spread joy.

One of Storm’s greatest accomplishments was finding a missing woman alive after she had survived 5 days and 4 nights alone in the woods. He later became cross‑trained in human remains detection, spending years helping bring missing loved ones home to their families.

Storm was more than a working dog — he was family, a partner, and a source of light to everyone who crossed his path. Thank you, Storm, for your service, your love, and the countless lives you touched. You will be forever missed.

09/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Gif9199Gu/

11 Days out. There is still time to join our Instructor Class. This is your sign.

09/25/2026

Human Remains Identified in 2023 Missing Persons Case

Woodland Twp., N.J. – The New Jersey State Police have positively identified human remains recovered in Woodland Township, Burlington County, as those of Denice Smith, bringing closure to a missing person case that spanned nearly three years.

Smith, at the time was 51 years old when she was reported missing after walking away from her residence in Woodland Township on October 9, 2023. In the days following her disappearance, the New Jersey State Police conducted multiple search and rescue operations throughout the area, but no signs of Smith.

Over the next three years, detectives from the NJSP Missing Persons Unit and Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office at Red Lion Station continued extensive investigative efforts. These included additional search and rescue operations, follow-up on public tips, and pursuing new investigative leads.

On April 12, 2026, a coordinated search by the Burlington County Search and Rescue Volunteer Team led to the discovery of human remains in the area of Laurel Lane and Cedar Lane in Woodland Township.

Forensic comparisons performed by Dr. Anna Delaney of the NJSP Forensic Anthropology Unit were reviewed by the Burlington County Medical Examiner’s Office on or about August 24, 2026, formally confirming the remains as those of Denice Smith.

For the full press release, go to: https://njsp.njoag.gov/2026/09/22/human-remains-identified-in-2023-missing-persons-case/

09/24/2026

✅UPDATE: Sarah has been located safe and sound.

🚨MISSING PERSON🚨

The Manchester Township Police Department would like assistance in locating 50-year-old Sarah Warner, who was last seen earlier this morning on September 24, 2026 in the area of Mayflower Court.

Unfortunately, we do not have a clothing description; however, she is 5’4’’, weighing approximately 170 pounds.

Numerous investigative steps have already been taken to locate Sarah; however, her location remains unknown at this time.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts are asked to contact us at 732-657-6111.

09/14/2026

Email from another team to MARSAR concerning 911.

As with every passing anniversary of this day, I recall the emotional phone call we shared after you and other MARSAR team members spent grueling days at Staten Island after the horrific 9/11 attacks. I pray you and team who participated have not fallen victim to the health issues caused by the debris. When we signed up for SAR, not all of us understood how deep some events and memories would become interwoven into our very being, and the level of PTSD where sights, sounds, smells, and other triggers would indwelling us. Just wanted you to know that I will never forget. God Bless You and America! 🙏

09/05/2026

Drop into the tent to learn in an informal one-on-one or small group format with instructors.

We will cover:

The basics of topographic maps-
•Reading and interpreting key symbols including contour lines, grid lines, terrain, road and building symbols etc
•Differences between true north, grid north and magnetic north
•Orienting the map - when you need to and when you don’t
•Using USNG and UTM coordinates to report and find a location
•Using a protractor to find a bearing from A to B
•Basics of Compass Use
•The compass as a multi-tool
•Declination - what is it and why do I care? •Setting declination on your compass
•Taking a bearing from map and transferring to the field, and vice versa.
•Optimizing the accuracy of using a compass
•Using a compass to find a point through dead-reckoning
•Practical exercises to complement the above - dead reckoning (SarTech 2 type), line flagging, staying on bearing, etc.
•Route preparing strategies - staying found. •Using catching features, handrails, aiming off, using slope aspects
•Getting lost and what to do about it. •Triangulation
•Demonstration stations/please touch: make a compass; clay contour lines miniatures - make different shapes

Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sarcnj-sarex--2026

09/05/2026

Autism: A Guide for First Responders

Instructor Gerald Turning Jr.

Captain Gerald Turning Jr. served 25 years as a police officer in New Jersey, recently retiring from the rank of Captain. He served most of his police career as a decorated K9 Handler, Trainer, and Unit Supervisor.

Captain Turning also served as Internal Affairs Commander, Patrol Division Commander, and policy writer for his police department.
In 2012, Jerry began writing about his experiences as an autistic dad and established a successful blog, Bacon and Juiceboxes. He earned a following of over 45,000 fans worldwide who share his family’s challenges and triumphs.

As a member of two beloved communities: Law Enforcement and Special Needs Families, Jerry has shown unwavering commitment. He found his calling in bridging the gap between these communities, improving communication, and establishing solid relationships between First Responders and the families they serve and protect.

Jerry has lectured nationally, authored articles, and received awards for his efforts in Autism Awareness for First Responders. He recently published his first novel, Desperate Pursuits, centered around a police officer processing the fresh diagnosis of his autistic son.

Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sarcnj-sarex--2026