CAP Supports Oglala Sioux Tribe Search

Rapid City, SD - South Dakota Civil Air Patrol personnel in South Dakota and North Dakota supported the Oglala Sioux Tribe Sunday evening in its search for a missing teenager near Red Shirt, SD. The 14-year-old was last seen leaving a residence Saturday evening and was located in Rapid City.

“Tribal emergency management officials had requested that CAP support the search with infrared technology that can locate heat signatures,” said Lt. Col. Todd Epp, CAP’s incident commander for the search. “CAP’s nearest such system is in North Dakota, where a CAP aircrew was about to launch.”

CAP members across South Dakota joined the effort, using distance technology to plan air and ground support through distance technology.

“We are glad that the young man was found safe,” said Col. Michael Marek, South Dakota Wing Commander for CAP. “But it was also a good opportunity for North and South Dakota to work together on an important mission.”

Civil Air Patrol performs search, disaster relief and other missions in its role as the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, part of the Air Force Total Force. CAP is aligned with First Air Force to rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically when tasked in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance.

CAP has close to 400 members in South Dakota with units in Brookings, Custer, Miller/Faulkton, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish and Tea. CAP can deploy its six aircraft, ground teams and small search drones to assist in emergency response and other support to local, state, tribal and federal agencies in South Dakota.