A rescue and recovery unit that operates on horseback has teamed up with a South Carolina coroner’s office  to assist in finding missing people.

According to Lancaster County Coroner Karla Deese, the initiative began last February when Lancaster County officials launched a search for a man, known as “Ty,” who had been missing for nearly three weeks. Searchers scoured in and around the Catawba River in search of him.

Carolina Public Radio reports that rescue dogs are now being trained to ride on horseback, enabling searchers to reach locations that would be difficult for dogs to access on their own.

“They can go through that terrain, briars, anything, that would normally cut [the legs of] slick quarter horses,” she said. “It’s not going to cut these guys like that.”

Deese stated that the mounted response unit (MRU) will be available for any search and recovery efforts across the state, and potentially in the neighboring states of Georgia and North Carolina.

Deputy Coroner Commander Dr. Laura Pettler, of the Lancaster County South Carolina Coroner’s Office MRU, told CrimeOnline that the horses have undergone extensive training in connection with the searches.

“Horses have always been an integral part of our country and that legacy continues today with the launch of our new MRU. With top notch training and education of all MRU volunteers and horses we will support our community, fellow public safety, and law enforcement agencies by using horses to aid in search and recovery.”

“It is one of the greatest honors of my career to command the MRU and I look forward to serving the People.”

WCCB Charlotte reports that three horses, Gunnr, Kismet and Thyra, were sworn in last week and are now “members of the Coroner’s Office, but they will be utilized by every agency.”

The unit is funded through public donations and will not impact the Lancaster County budget.

“Not a penny,” Deese told WCCB, referring to any possible taxpayer costs.

The public can choose to sponsor a horse, with contributions supporting its feed, care, training, and equipment. The organization is also in need of additibal MRU volunteers.

Addtiobal information on how to volunteer is available at the Lancaster County Coroner’s MRU official site.

[Feature Photo provided by Sheryl McCollum]