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CSAR trains every second Saturday 4-8 hours, in addition to zoom meetings once a month. Specialized units, such as K9 train more often.
CSAR volunteers for other community projects such as river clean up. CSAR usually has 3-6 events annual that they attend.
Each member is certified and/or trained in: IC 100, 200, 700 & 800 Hazmat, Blood Borne Pathogens, Crime Scene Preservation, Basic Search & Rescue, Bone Scatter & Evidence Recovery /Collection, Lost Person Behavior, Man Tracking, Low angle rope and safety operations and more
The team uses Caltopo as our GPS tracking system. We are able to create a map and provide it to the requesting agency for their records.
We are proud to introduce our Chief, Margarita (Margo) Kuderer. Chief Kuderer brings with her over 23 years of law enforcement experience and 6 years serving as a Coroner and Death Investigator. Her extensive background in public safety and investigative work makes her a tremendous asset to our team.
For the past two years, Chief Kuderer worked closely with the former Chief, gaining in-depth knowledge of our operations and building strong relationships within the team. This hands-on experience has provided her with a clear understanding of what is needed to enhance CSAR’s effectiveness.
Since stepping into her new role, Chief Kuderer has already implemented several key changes aimed at improving team functionality and overall efficiency. Her proactive leadership and dedication to continuous improvement are already making a positive impact.
We are proud to recognize Kevin Vanover, who brings nearly 25 years of experience in law enforcement to our team. Currently serving as the Head of Investigations at our hospital group, Kevin plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and integrity of our organization.
With a strong background in incident command and operational leadership, Kevin is committed to maintaining the highest standards during search operations and across all investigative efforts. His depth of knowledge and calm, decisive approach are invaluable assets to our organization.
Between this group of members there is over 75 years of experience with critical incidences, natural disasters with leading/supervising within our mission statement.
The Board of Directors makes the organization run as smooth as it possibly can. Their leadership skills create, update and modify the business via policies and procedures.
Family Liaison Officers (FLO) – Cincinnati Search and Recovery (CSAR)
Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) are a vital component of Cincinnati Search and Recovery (CSAR). Our team is called upon by law enforcement when families face a crisis—most often, when a loved one is missing and potentially in danger.
The FLO team plays a unique and essential role in these situations. We have developed specialized fact-finding forms that go beyond the standard information collected by traditional agencies. These in-depth tools often provide critical insights that help lead to the location and recovery of missing persons.
In addition to supporting active searches, we also offer families a comprehensive resource guide for both during and after the crisis. This guide provides valuable information and support to help families navigate one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Each FLO team member must complete a series of rigorous steps before being authorized to deploy and work directly with families. These include certification in key training modules such as:
Our mission is to provide compassionate, informed, and effective support to families—every step of the way.
"Collectively, this group brings over 100 years of experience in investigations through law enforcement, military service, and forensic science."
Mahatma Gandhi
Brien, Shelly, Jack & Sandy have been trained and certified in Man Tracking by world renowned Man Tracker Fernando Moreira.
For more information on Fernando go to https://www.professionaltrackers.com/
Dr. Robert Koester is definitely a leading authority in the field of Lost Person Behavior (LPB), and having your members trained and certified by him is a huge asset for any search and rescue team.
LPB is indeed foundational for effective search and rescue operations because it uses patterns and data-driven behavioral profiles to predict where missing persons are most likely to be found. The landmark study and the book you mentioned have been game changers in the SAR community, offering insights into subject categories, updated statistics, and behavioral tendencies that help narrow down search areas and save critical time.
Our members have been trained and certified to instruct LPB by Dr. Koester himself.
CSAR has certified swift water instructors who provide annual training to our members on water safety, awareness, and operations. Additionally, some of our members have received specialized training from Death Investigator Andrea Zaferes, an expert in aquatic deaths and accidents.
"Our Mounted Team is available for deployment in terrain that is more accessible by horse. They are also useful in rapid searches, allowing other team members to focus on additional search areas."
CSAR Selected to Support Coroner's Offices in Ohio & Indiana
We are honored to announce that CSAR (Critical Search and Recovery) has been officially selected by the Coroner's Offices in multiple counties across Ohio and Indiana to assist in the event of mass fatality incidents.
In this vital role, CSAR will be responsible for locating, marking, and documenting remains in the field. Coroner Investigators will lead the collection process, with CSAR providing additional assistance as needed. This partnership reflects a deep trust in our professionalism and dedication, and we are proud to support not only the coroner’s offices but also the broader communities during times of great need.
In addition to this new responsibility, CSAR continues to provide assistance during natural disasters in coordination with FEMA. Our mission remains focused on compassionate response, integrity in the field, and unwavering support to those affected by crisis.
We consider it a true privilege to serve in this capacity and stand ready to provide our expertise whenever called upon.
Aimee serves as our Public Information Officer (PIO) and manages all of our social media accounts. Her extensive knowledge of search and rescue (SAR), public affairs, crime scene awareness, and technology provides critical support to the team. Thanks to her expertise, the rest of the team can stay focused on the search, knowing that Aimee is prepared to handle any major questions or media inquiries that may arise.
Agencies we worked with:
Warren County Sheriff's Office
Hamilton County Coroner's Office
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
Delhi Police Department
Clermont County Sheriff's Office
Clermont County Coroner's Office
Brown County Coroner's Office
Lawrenceburg IN Police Department
Franklin County IN Sheriff's Office
Vandilla Police Department
Xenia Police Department
Campbell County KY PD
Tyler County WV Emergency Management
Woods County Sheriff's Office WV
City of Cincinnati Police Department
Assisted: EquuSearch Midwest
Hocking Valley
Rescue 101
Code 3
Natural Disaster: West Virginia Floods
Agencies we worked with:
Hamilton County Coroner's Office
Colerain Township PD
City of Cincinnati Police Department
Franklin County IN Sheriff's Office
Ohio County IN Sheriff's Office
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
Goshen PD
Batesville IN PD
Milford PD
West Chester PD
Butler County Prosecutor's Office
Dayton PD
Assisted: EquuSearch Midwest
Hocking Valley
Code 3
Natural Disaster: North Carolina Floods
Agencies we worked with:
Union Township PD
Cincinnati Police Department
Hamilton County Coroner's Office
Dayton PD
Ohio Bureau Criminal Investigations (BCI)
Miami Township (Hamilton County) Fire Dept.
Franklin County IN Sheriff's Office
City of Hamilton Police Department
Brookville IN PD
Assisted: Code 3
Copyright © 2023 CSAR - All Rights Reserved.
Mailing Address: 4106 Otter Creek Dr Amelia OH 45102
Email: mkuderer.CSAR@gmail.com Phone 513-998-1071
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