Search Tactics and Rescue Recovery (STARR) Team
STARR Organization
With team work, there are no limits.
The STARR Team is South Carolina's premier Tracking, Search & Rescue, and Cadaver Recovery Organization.
The STARR Team was developed with the mission of assisting in Search & Rescue/Recovery operations, as well as increasing the educational and training opportunities for other organizations, such as Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, Rescue Squads, and private search groups. When not engaged in search functions, the core membership of STARR are involved with various training evolutions, devoted to the training of other volunteer groups throughout the state of South Carolina.
Through the STARR Team operates primarily with the selection of well socialized, people oriented dogs, we are also actively engaged in additional training opportunities for parties not employing the use of dogs. We teach teams how to both conduct and manage search operations, the logistics of such operations, how to align the other specialized service providers, as well as provided the specialized training necessary for those who are involved with Search & Rescue dogs.
As a result of a combination of the many mock scenarios participated in during routine training evolutions and actual events, our teams are exposed to and proficient in Wilderness Search, Building Collapse, Mass Casualty events, and Search Management.
What type of events does STARR provide assistance for?
- Lost campers/hikers
- Missing children
- Alzheimer patients
- Criminal investigations
- Natural Disasters
- Mass Casualty events
Why would Law Enforcement or other Rescue Departments not take care of these issues?
- Law Enforcement is not usually structured for Search & Rescue operations.
- Law Enforcement may often have resources dedicated to other obligations.
- Fire and Rescue Departments may not have the available resources or training.
- Few departments will support the expense of search or Cadaver dogs, or the necessary training for the handler.
- Obtaining Search training is often left to the interested party.
Both are considered by STARR as necessary, integral participants in any operation, and our mission is to support them with training, resources, and experience.
What benefits does the STARR Team offer to South Carolina?
- Timely, state-wide response to Search & Rescue/Recovery scenarios, working in conjunction with State, Local, and Federal authorities.
- A team dedicated only to Search & Rescue/Recovery.
- A collective history of public service.
- Providing training to other organizations charged with the responsibilities of search operations.
- Organizing and directing volunteers during search operations.
Who comprises the STARR Team?
The STARR Team is comprised of individuals dedicated to public service exhibited by their desire to help others in time of need. STARR membership and operational protocol revolves around the Search & Rescue creed:
"So that others may live"
Our membership is constantly growing, as is the mission of the STARR Team, and consist primarily of members also associated with Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, Rescue Squads, the EMS service, or other volunteer Search & Rescue Operations.
Director: Stephen J. Pearrow
Home- (803) 568-2082
Mobile- (803) 707-1955
Mr. Pearrow possesses a history of Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue, and extensive work with service dogs. Mr. Pearrow conducts most of the training scenarios and acts as the primary K9 instructor for the team. Mr. Pearrow also is the primary instructor for the team in search management and tracking.
How can I help the STARR Team?
The STARR Team is supported by donations and philanthropy, allowing us to provide Search Support Services, support training events and scenarios, as well as Search & Rescue/Recovery education at no expense to the recipient of any of these offerings.
How do I make donations to the STARR Team?
Your donations can be made in the form of check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to:
STARR
And mailed to the following Address:
P.O. Box 87
Swansea, SC 29160
K-9 Handler's Code of Ethics
As a Search and Rescue K9 Handler, my fundamental duty is to serve humankind: to preserve life, to alleviate suffering, to respect human dignity and to encourage the utilization of professional trained canines.
I will promote the team concept within the SAR community and will not behave in a manner that brings discredit to my team or me. I will develop self-restraint and be constantly mindful of the welfare and feelings of others. I will treat others with the same dignity and respect I wish to be treated with. I will not criticize incident command, as I am not privy to the same knowledge. Honest in thought and deed, I will not utter an untruth towards any other team member, team or agency.
I will not permit personal feelings or ideologies to interfere with the mission of saving human lives. I will utilize all properly trained resources, no matter what their affiliation or political beliefs. I will not engage in public ridicule, nor will condone such acts by other K9 handlers.
I will conduct myself in an exemplary fashion, both in my personal and professional life. I will not use my service to seek out public recognition of self-promotion. If called upon to provide information to the media, I will promote the professional cooperation between agencies, giving credit where credit is due.
Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature, will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty. I will not discuss the aspects of a search that is an ongoing criminal investigation. I will hold in confidence the information provided by law enforcement and will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives involved in the search process.
I realize that I, alone, am responsible for the performance of my dog and myself and I will take every opportunity to enhance and improve our level of knowledge and competence. As a professional K9 handler, I support the use of certification testing to written criteria to predict canine performance and successful completion of testing requirements prior to fielding a canine in an actual search.
I will constantly strive to achieve and maintain these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God and man to my chosen service-Search and Rescue K9 Handler.