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Underwater Recovery
The Underwater Recovery Team (URT) has
been in existence longer than any other specialized team in the Water Patrol. It is a joint effort
of the Water Patrol and the
Sheriff’s Emergency Squad. The URT handles the
Sheriff’s mandated responsibility to search for and recover bodies and is the
most active team in the State of Minnesota.
It is frequently called upon for its expertise by other public safety agencies around the
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| Tender works with diver to make sure all equipment is checked and that communications are in functioning properly |
Divers are in constant communication with Tenders on the surface |
Last year, the URT recovered three bodies, four motor vehicles, and evidence (stolen weapons and other evidence) from area lakes and rivers.
Most dives are done in zero visibility conditions, which demands a very high level of diving expertise, better diving equipment and specialized apparatus. Divers and support personnel train twice a month to maintain proficiency, safety and learn new techniques.
The team is composed of five full-time licensed personnel and ten volunteer Special Deputies.