Black Diamond Search And Rescue Council

05/28/2026

P-SAR Tip of the Week: Before You Go, Leave a Plan

A simple trip plan can make a big difference if something goes wrong outdoors.

Before you head into the woods, onto the trail, to the river, or out for a quick walk in a remote area, take a minute to tell someone:

Where you are going
Who is with you
When you expect to return
When they should call for help if they do not hear from you

Cell phones are helpful, but they are not a plan. Batteries die, service drops, and small problems can turn serious quickly.

Leaving a plan gives search and rescue teams a starting point and can help us find you faster.

Be prepared. Be informed. Be found.

05/23/2026

🇺🇸 As Memorial Day weekend begins, we pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

This weekend is more than cookouts and time off. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifice made by those who never made it home and to honor the families who carry that loss every day.

At Black Diamond Search & Rescue, we are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy and mindful of the price that was paid for them. We remember the fallen, honor their sacrifice, and keep their memory alive.

From all of us at Black Diamond Search & Rescue, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

National Search and Rescue Awareness Week | May 18–24, 2026

This week we recognize the men and women who leave their homes, families, and comfort behind to answer the call when someone is lost, injured, or in need.

Search and Rescue is built on dedication, training, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Whether searching the mountains of Virginia, assisting neighboring communities, working alongside law enforcement and fire/EMS, or supporting families during difficult moments, SAR volunteers stand ready day and night.

At Black Diamond Search & Rescue, we are proud to serve alongside the many teams and responders across the Commonwealth and throughout the country who give their time, energy, and heart to this mission.

To every volunteer, K9 handler, tracker, searcher, dispatcher, EMT, firefighter, law enforcement officer, and supporter who makes SAR possible — thank you.

05/10/2026

05/08/2026

This post from our sister team, TSAR, does a great job explaining how the Virginia Search and Rescue system works statewide.

Black Diamond’s primary response area is typically VDEM Regions 4 and 6 here in Southwest Virginia, but with members located across different parts of the Commonwealth, we occasionally respond to missions in other regions as well. Deployments to the eastern side of the state are less common for us, but the capability is there when needed.

One of the biggest strengths of the COVSAR system is that Virginia has 22 volunteer SAR teams operating under MOUs with the Commonwealth, all trained to common standards through VDEM. That allows teams from across Virginia to work together seamlessly when called upon by the AHJ.

Most importantly, these missions are provided at no cost to the families or requesting agencies we serve.

Over the past year we have tried posting which Region we have activated for. Along with 21 other SAR teams, TSAR is a state resource and can be activated to respond anywhere in the Commonwealth. As volunteers we don't always get certified resources to deploy out to the Western Regions but on occasion when personnel are traveling for work or personal they do have the opportunity to respond. All of this is at no cost to to the families for whom we search or the requesting AHJ (Agency Having Jusisdiction).

05/04/2026

PSAR Tip of the Week: Ticks Are More Than a Nuisance

If you spend time in the woods—training, searching, or just enjoying the outdoors—ticks are a real and growing threat.

Here in Virginia—and across much of the Southeast—we’re seeing a sharp rise in Alpha-gal syndrome, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne illnesses.

📍 This isn’t theoretical—it’s local.
Areas like Bedford County and Charlotte County, Virginia are recognized as some of the hardest-hit hotspots in the nation for Alpha-gal.

⚠️ Know the Risks

* Alpha-gal: Allergic reaction to red meat and mammal products
* Lyme disease: Fatigue, joint pain, neurological complications
* Early symptoms are often mild—don’t ignore them

🧬 What’s Causing It?

* Alpha-gal is most strongly linked to bites from the Lone Star tick, which is widespread in Virginia
* Emerging research suggests chigger bites may also play a role in some cases, but this is still being studied

🛡️ Protect Yourself

* Treat clothing and gear with permethrin
* Use EPA-approved repellent
* Wear long sleeves, wear gaiters
* Conduct thorough tick checks after every task / mission
* Shower after field time

🚨 Bottom Line

Whether it’s ticks—or possibly chiggers—the risk is real.
A preventable bite can take you out of the field.

05/03/2026

Black Diamond Search & Rescue – Leadership Update

Last night, Black Diamond Search & Rescue held our Bi-annual officer elections. We’d like to take a moment to recognize and congratulate our leadership team moving forward.

First, a sincere thank you to those continuing in their roles. Your steady leadership and commitment to this team do not go unnoticed:

* Coordinator – Mike Maggard
* Assistant Coordinator – Rob Blevins
* Secretary – Ted Jackson
* Treasurer – Mac DeBusk

We’re also proud to welcome three members stepping into new leadership positions:

* Wendy Hasenbalg – Training Officer
* Mark Whitley – K9 Team Coordinator
* Rowan Jones – Member at Large

These roles are critical to the continued growth, readiness, and professionalism of our team. We’re fortunate to have strong leadership across the board, and we look forward to what this group will accomplish together.

Thank you to all of our members who continue to support the mission, train hard, and serve when called.

04/30/2026

Bedford County, the second-highest in the nation, and that Charlotte County, Virginia, had the highest AGS rate in the nation

Virginia is at the center of the growing alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) epidemic in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly half a million Americans are living with AGS, with some of the highest case counts and rates reported in Virginia. A 2023 study of

04/20/2026

Black Diamond would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Cath Bennion on being named this year’s recipient of the Lisa Hannon Award.

Cath’s involvement across the Virginia SAR community—through Piedmont Search and Rescue, the Search and Rescue Tracking Institute (SARTI), and as a VDEM instructor—speaks volumes about her dedication to this program and the people within it. Her professionalism, knowledge, and willingness to give back are recognized by everyone who has had the opportunity to work alongside her.

The Lisa Hannon Award is one of the most meaningful recognitions in the COVSAR system. It is presented annually to a member who embodies the qualities Lisa Hannon stood for—optimism, professionalism, kindness, and a commitment to building bridges across teams.

Lisa was an ASRC Incident Commander, instructor, and leader who made a lasting impact on Virginia Search and Rescue. In May of 1994, after successfully organizing and leading a major multi-state search mission, Lisa was killed in a vehicle accident while returning home. She was just 24 years old and became the first line-of-duty death in the Virginia SAR program. Her legacy continues to guide and shape the values of our community today.

Cath exemplifies those same values. She leads by example, supports others, and continues to make a lasting impact across our SAR community.

Well deserved, Cath. We are proud to serve alongside you.