Melrose Park Office of Public Safety~Homeland Security
Mounted Operations Division

The Village of Melrose Park's Office of Public Safety-Homeland Security has developed a Mounted Operations Division. Our primary mission is Mounted Search & Rescue (MSAR) operations. The Mounted Operations Division will operate in conjunction with the Emergency Services division of the Village of Melrose Park Office of Public Safety-Homeland Security.

The Emergency Services division, which conducts search & rescue (SAR) operations as well as train first responders in SAR operations, is the heart of the department. This division's volunteers support all of the Village of Melrose Park’s Office of Public Safety divisions. They also respond to a wide variety of emergencies and disasters by assisting and working in tandem with other local, county and state agencies.

The MSAR team is being trained for primary service in the Cook County area, and may also be deployed anywhere in the state upon request of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. The head of the Office of Public Safety-Homeland Security is Chief Philip C. Schwartz. The Mounted Operations Division Commander is Captain Ronald T. Vasser .

Search and rescue requires a huge training commitment and dedication to respond 24 hours a day. It often means phone calls and pages in the middle of the night to respond to emergencies. It is essential that all MSAR team members are trained to the best of their ability to conduct ground and mounted search & rescue operations in a safe and effective manner and to also be trained in basic first aid and basic life support procedures. All applicants for membership in the Mounted Operations Division must complete the Ground Search & Rescue (GSAR) certification course as well as go through the Basic All Weather MSAR Training Course for certification.

There are many advantages of having a mounted unit.

Mounted teams can cover more terrain than a person on foot. Horses have developed senses of hearing, sight and smell. Horses can often locate a victim before human search personnel can. The horse gives the rider a platform for superior field of vision in crowds, parking lots, malls, uneven terrain and in high vegetation. The Mounted team can provide tremendous operational flexibility and offer incident commanders and event coordinators, previously unavailable capability. They can also serve as the eyes and ears for law enforcement entities. Horse units also appeal to children and adults.

Our mission is to assemble a diverse group of professionals who will bring dedication, skill and personality to the Mounted team. If you are interested in joining our team please contact us by e-mail at rv@mppshs.org or call 708-649-8077. We welcome your interest and support.

Come Ride With Us………