Conway County OEM Search & Rescue

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Congratulations to the members of our Marine Rescue Team who successfully completed Arkansas Fireboat School this week.

These volunteers were selected to attend based on their dedication, attendance, operational experience, and commitment to our program. Representing our team at this level is an honor, and each member rose to the challenge.

Over the course of the day, students were placed into a variety of realistic emergency scenarios including vessel fires, flood response operations, high-speed boat handling, medical emergencies, boating accidents, wildfire suppression, and pump operations. The training tested decision-making, boat handling skills, teamwork, and endurance under pressure.

One of the greatest lessons from programs like this is that there is always something new to learn. Even the most seasoned operators walked away with new techniques, fresh perspectives, and valuable experience that will make them better rescuers and safer boat operators.

We are proud of the professionalism and dedication displayed by our crew throughout the week. The knowledge and skills gained at Fireboat School will directly benefit the communities we serve and strengthen our ability to respond when help is needed most.

Well done, team. Your hard work, commitment to training, and pursuit of excellence do not go unnoticed.

05/30/2026

Our marine rescue team has arrived at Lake DeGray. Tomorrow morning they will hit the water alongside boat crews all over the state to complete multiple water emergency training scenarios.

05/23/2026

Another day, another training.

As summer approaches and water recreation increases across our area, you’ll be seeing our water rescue team out on local waterways more often.

Today, marine rescue personnel sharpened their high-speed boat maneuvering skills on Lake Brewer in preparation for next weekend’s Arkansas Fireboat School on Lake DeGray. Continuous training like this keeps our crews proficient, mission-ready, and prepared to operate safely in demanding conditions.

The volunteers making up our Fireboat School crew were selected based on attendance, boat handling skills, and operating hours. Being chosen for this assignment is an honor and reflects the dedication each member has shown to the team and the mission.

We’re always looking for volunteers. If you enjoy the water, the outdoors, have diving experience, rope experience, or simply want to serve your community as part of a professional rescue team, this might be the place for you.

05/22/2026

If you saw our Marine Rescue Team on Lake Overcup this evening, there was no emergency. Rescuers took advantage of favorable weather and visibility conditions to conduct training operations.

Tonight’s evolutions focused on defensive boat operations, area familiarization, vessel handling procedures, operational time, and subsurface scanning operations. Continuous training like this ensures our crews remain proficient, prepared, and ready to respond safely and effectively when called upon.

05/19/2026

Meet the Member Monday

Today we’re proud to introduce rescuer Kurt Elms.

Kurt is a founding member of our search and rescue team and a natural fit for the work. As a combat veteran and former Army Medic, he’s no stranger to rugged terrain, patient care, and casualty evacuation under pressure. He brings valuable fire service experience, extensive outdoor knowledge, and a steady presence to every mission.

Kurt currently oversees our ATV/UTV program and works closely with our rope rescue team—mentoring new members, sharing his experience, and serving with quiet pride.

We’re grateful to have Kurt on the team and thankful for the leadership and depth he brings to our operations.

We believe the public should know the faces of the responders standing ready to help them at a moment’s notice.

05/10/2026

Thank you to Todd Phillips of Little Rock for his thoughtful donation of two wetsuits, fins, and a BC for our dive team!

05/08/2026

Strong night for the team.

Tonight, responders reviewed five separate calls for service from the past month, breaking down lessons learned and identifying ways to improve future operations. The group then transitioned into a tabletop exercise focused on initial actions during a mock search, sharpening decision-making, communication, and early operational priorities.

Training doesn’t always happen in the field—sometimes it happens around a table, where experience turns into preparedness.