Letter from the Executive Coordinator

Jan. 5, 2026

To The Editor:

As we begin the New Year the Oswego County Pioneer Search and Rescue Team wishes to thank all Oswego County public safety agencies and the Oswego County community for your support and assistance over the past year.

During 2025 we were activated for 33 searches for missing persons in Oswego and neighboring counties. We were placed on standby and prepared to assist in 31 more incidents involving people who were reported missing.

I am very grateful and proud of our members for their incredible dedication to their mission. Like other volunteer fire and emergency response agencies, our 37 members devote hundreds of hours annually to maintain their specialized skills. Our team contributed more than 598 volunteer hours on searches during 2025. We are recognized throughout the state as leaders in our field.

We rely on close partnerships with many organizations -- the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, Oswego County Emergency Communications Department, NYS Police, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, local law enforcement and volunteer fire departments, Onondaga County Wilderness Search and Rescue Team, NYS Federation of Search and Rescue Teams, and Project Lifesaver International. We couldn’t fulfil our mission without them.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without financial support. Thanks to the Oswego County Legislature, Oswego County Emergency Management Office, Central Square Wal-Mart, other agencies and anonymous donors, we’ve been able to purchase equipment, train our volunteers, maintain and insure our mobile command unit and off-road vehicle, and conduct the day-to-day business of our not-for-profit organization.

Over the past year we presented programs to hundreds of Oswego County residents in civic and professional organizations, youth and school groups, and at health fairs and community events. The Shineman Foundation, Oswego County Community Foundation, Stewart’s Shops, Fulton Savings Bank, PathFinder Bank, and Brookfield Power provided funding for our Project Lifesaver public outreach program. The Oswego County Public Information Office helps the team distribute information to the news media.

Our team recently elected 2026 officers. They are Chief Aaron Albrecht; Captain Joe Homola; and Lieutenants Jason Fellows, Kim Backman, Leonard Redhead, and Mark Bender. Administrative staff are Executive Coordinator Aaron Albrecht; Assistant Coordinator David Powers; Treasurer Leonard Redhead; Secretary Debbie Palm; Review Officer Joe Homola; Board Members James Watros, Jason Fellows, and Kelly Schulz; and Public Information Officer Janet West Clerkin.

In 2026 we will embark on our next training academy with Onondaga County’s Wilderness Team. Along with the new recruits, our volunteers will re-certify in CPR, wilderness first aid and Project Lifesaver skills. Our K-9 teammates Whiskey and Ada and their handlers will continue their annual certifications in search and rescue techniques.

Our Oswego County community is very blessed to have a strong partnership of skilled first responders at the ready. On behalf of our team, we thank you for your support. Best wishes for a healthy and peaceful New Year.

Sincerely,

Aaron Albrecht

Executive Coordinator

Oswego County Pioneer Search & Rescue Team