{"id":115723,"date":"2026-01-12T23:59:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T23:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/115723\/"},"modified":"2026-01-12T23:59:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T23:59:15","slug":"north-florida-search-team-steps-in-to-bring-the-missing-and-lost-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/115723\/","title":{"rendered":"North Florida Search Team steps in to bring the missing and lost home"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A volunteer search team in North Florida is stepping in to help law enforcement find missing people, offering specialized resources at no cost.<\/p>\n

The North Florida Search Team is a completely volunteer-based nonprofit. Michelle McLaughlin has been involved in search and rescue since 2001, and launched the organization three years ago. <\/p>\n

\u201cOur whole goal is to help law enforcement in any way, not hinder anything,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe North Florida Search Team is a completely volunteer-based nonprofit.(North Florida Search Team)<\/p>\n

The team goes out on searches across the state only when called by law enforcement. McLaughlin said they help agencies that don\u2019t have the resources they do. <\/p>\n

The team includes K9 handlers, drone operators, dive teams, ground search crews, and even a unit on horseback. Their dogs play a critical role, from tracking to air-scent work, helping cover large areas faster than humans alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are the 80%, we are the 20%. They can do the work we cannot do,\u201d said Bobby Staerker, the team\u2019s president and a K9 handler.<\/p>\n

He said volunteers train in all conditions, from urban areas to wilderness, heat to rain, all to be ready when called, often during some of the most difficult times for families.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe team includes K9 handlers, drone operators, dive teams, ground search crews, and even a unit on horseback.(North Florida Search Team)<\/p>\n

The team responded to 5 searched in 2024 and 17 searches in 2025. The group most recently assisted in a search in Alachua County<\/a> for a missing teenage girl who was found over the weekend.<\/p>\n

McLaughlin says the work is challenging but rewarding. \u201cIt\u2019s a sad time sometimes, and there have been some really good moments too,\u201d she said. Staerker adds, \u201cWe all have a heart of a servant.\u201d<\/p>\n

The North Florida Search Team accepts volunteer applications on a rolling basis.<\/p>\n

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