MARSHALL COUNTY, OK -- In this week's 12 Who Care, We have a whole team of nominees, a Texoma volunteer group that dedicates countless hours to be there for you when you need them most.
Sara Humphrey introduces us to the Marshall County Search and Rescue Team.

When reports come in that someone has a loved one missing in Texoma - The Marshall County Search and Rescue Team puts their life on the line to find them.

"I nominated you for the 12 Who Care because the awesome work that you do for our communities but for other communities for the things that you do, for all the equipment that you supply and I just wanted you to be recognized for the awesome work that you do so thank you Marshall County Search and Rescue."

The search and rescue team is made up of a group of men and women - mostly current and retired firefighters - and work on a 100 percent volunteer basis.

"We train in tracking, we look for lost deer hunters, we have assisted the lake patrol since 94 on drowning victims, boat wrecks," said Dean Wise.

"We just go out and do what we need to do what we need to do and try to keep the family away from it until we are through," said Timothy Lynn.

"You're helping people that absolutely need help," said James Hodges.

The Marshall County Search and Rescue Team was formed in 1994 and was the first search and rescue team to be recognized by the state of Oklahoma for their efforts.

"They are there for your family and they are going to continue to be there for your family. They have to try to maintain and separate that from search and rescue and go back home to their family."

Members say they not only work in Marshall County - they have performed several water and land rescues in surrounding counties - Texas - and even do work for OSBI.

"All of the surrounding counties we have assisted them in hunting alzheimer patients, lost children, drowning victims," said Dean Wise.

The efforts of these first responders does come at a price. The team funds their certification, boats, vehicles, gas, uniforms and equipment themselves.

"It takes a lot and lot and lot of paperwork and a lot of time and effort on our secretary to try to come up with the funds to keep those boats up and ready to go if you are on the lake or to keep those vehicles and that dog ready if you are on land," said Marni Taylor.

The team says summer keeps them on their toes since warmer weather draws a larger crowd to the lake. With their busy rescue season approaching the team is asking for donations.

"Our boating boats were donated to us by people. We give them, based on the value of the boat, appraised value a deal for their taxes for that amount. That's the only way we can survive is that type of donation," said Dean Wise.

"They don't realize that we are here until they need us. then thats when we go," said Timothy Lynn.

And that's why the Marshall County Search and Rescue team are part of our 12 Who Care.

And if you know someone or a group of people like this search and rescue team that go above and beyond for their community e-mail us at firstnews@kxii.com and nominate them as one of our 12 Who Care.