When a loved one suddenly disappears, family and friends are often left in anguish and fear for that person's safety. The Berkshire Mountain Search and Rescue Team was created in 1977 by a dedicated group who help find these lost people, not just in Berkshire County but the entire state of Massachusetts. The Team has grown considerably over the years, both in membership and stature; it now has more than 70 members from all walks of life and 14 of them are fully accredited as Search Managers (NASAR-MSF/MLPI). BMSAR has participated in more than 100 searches with a 93% success record of finding lost persons. Primarily a "groundpounding" team, it has an experienced cadre of field team leaders, man trackers, search dog handlers, trained searchers and more. Its equipment cache includes communication and rescue equipment, and a mobile command center. BMSAR is also a "winter-capable" search-and-rescue team, able to respond regardless of weather conditions, day or night. Its services, personnel and resources are provided to federal, state and local authorities — as well as private individuals — at no charge. If ever you have a loved one lost, this is the group that you want leading the search. Help them continue this important work.