All funds raised for the organization in December to be matched.

The Bergen County Shomrim Watch proudly announces the formation of its new Search and Rescue Team, with the official launch set for January 1, 2025. This new dedicated team is designed to enhance the safety of community members, with its focus on locating missing persons. Their nighttime car patrols have already been operating since mid-September.

“The launch of the Bergen County Shomrim’s Search and Rescue Team serves as a beacon of hope and support for Bergen County’s residents,” according to Shomrim. The focus is on training, preparedness and community engagement, so that Shomrim will be in the position to play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and providing relief during emergencies. In preparation for their official launch in January, the community is encouraged to join in this crucial mission of service and safety.

Yoni C., co-head of search and rescue noted, “To start, our search and rescue members are required to complete our Level 1 urban training, enabling them to quickly start an initial search and set up a command center until our coordinators arrive on scene. Our members are required to be certified in CPR, basic first aid, and Stop the Bleed.”

The specialized training prepares the Search and Rescue Team for various scenarios. The training includes coordinating with local law enforcement, utilizing rigorous search techniques, and employing cutting-edge emergency management technology to aid in search efforts. “This focus on missing persons is especially crucial in a region where timely responses can significantly impact the outcomes of search missions,” according to Shomrim experts.

Bergen Shomrim Search and Rescue’s first graduating class has 20 highly trained volunteers. The training program was developed by industry-leading professionals, ensuring they respond swiftly and efficiently in a case where people are reported as missing. Each month, the team is set to expand the training to include wilderness and water rescue scenarios. Augmenting their expertise, the team endeavors to pilot comprehensive support to the community, enabling them to also ensure safety in various terrains and conditions.

The efforts of the Bergen County Search and Rescue Team are reflective of the community’s commitment to collaboration and safety, working alongside other local emergency services and agencies. “People should always call 911 for police emergencies. After calling 911, you should call our new hotline 201-242-BCSW [Bergen County Shomrim Watch] so we can rally our Search and Rescue team,” said Sam U., co-head of Search and Rescue. “We work in close coordination with local law enforcement and Office of Emergency Management teams.” Yoni C., added, “If we need additional resources, we can quickly call in mutual aid from other Shomrim and Chaverim search and rescue teams.”

Deena S., co-founder of Bergen County Shomrim reported: “Since we launched our car patrols in September, we’ve had three graduating classes, have 46 active members, and completed over 350 hours of car patrols.” Deena related a recent incident: “Our patrol car came across a suspicious vehicle in a shul parking lot with suspicious signs on it. Thanks to our close relationship with that shul’s security team, we were able to quickly identify the person as a contractor for an ongoing event. After notifying the event planner, they quickly understood the seriousness of the issue and took appropriate action. Without the tight relationships we have with shul security teams, we normally would have called 911 to investigate, potentially causing a larger incident.”

Adam H., also a co-founder, noted: “We are currently in the midst of a major fundraising campaign as we gear up for the January 1
launch of our Search and Rescue program. Since we launched our campaign on November 25, we’ve raised $20,000 with a goal of $50,000 by the end of the year. Recently an anonymous donor offered to match all funds raised in December, making this goal achievable.

“As a 501(c)(3), 100% of donated funds will go towards expanding our car patrols to new Bergen County towns and to buy critical gear needed for our Search and Rescue Teams. We need specialized vests, mountaineering gear and medical kits to ensure our teams are prepared for any scenario.”

To donate and have your donation matched, visit their website http://www.bergenshomrim.org/