Missing Swimmers, Weapons, iPhones: Lexington County Dive Team Is Always Ready To Jump In The Water
The Unsung Heroes Of Lexington County
In Lexington, S.C., a group of selfless individuals has been diving into the depths of murky, often hostile waters since 1985. The Lexington Sheriff’s Department Dive Team, composed of 12 dedicated professionals, has a track record that averages 12 calls a year. These range from searches for missing people to weaponry in homicide investigations.
Ready For The Call
The sheer variety of cases handled by the team is staggering, from searching for missing persons in vast water reservoirs to locating a single iPhone at a small creek. However, the plunge into the murky unknown is no easy feat. It starts with a call, which is followed by a thorough risk assessment to ensure that both the water and the surrounding environments are safe.
To systematically search, a line is deployed while a team member in a wet or dry suit prepares to enter the water. Take Sgt. Jeff Weed for instance, who currently heads the team. His responsibilities range from coordinating dives to using advanced sonar technology to reduce search times. He says, “What used to take us a week can now be done within an hour.”
The Harsh Reality of Search and Recovery
However, despite the technological advancements that assist the team, certain aspects of their work remain soberingly tough. Calls about drowned or missing persons never get easier, but the satisfaction derived from being able to deliver some form of closure to the families remains a strong motivating factor.
“A lot of the reason we do this is recovery, especially with bodies, to provide closure for family members,” says Weed, “A lot of times, family members are on the shore watching, and when we can give that closure, it means a lot to every team member.”
Lessons Learned
After more than three decades of diving, the team’s collective experience has led to an astonishing 100% success rate on body and vehicle recoveries. Reflecting on over 35 years of diving, 81-year-old team member Jim Hickman, who has been with the team since its inception, offers a piece of sage advice. “I’ve been diving for over 30 years with the sheriff’s department, and I’ve never had to recover anyone with a lifejacket,” he said.
Panning Through History
As Hickman sifts through a multitude of photos from successful finds and solved mysteries, one cannot help but be in awe of the sheer breadth of their achievements. With 70% of their retrievals occurring within Lake Murray, The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team is undeniably one of the most successful in the Midlands region.
Ensuring A Safer Future
The tireless work of the Dive Team goes a long way in maintaining order and providing closure for the residents of Lexington County. By constantly updating their methods, equipment, and knowledge, they continue to be ready for the next call, whatever or wherever it may be. And as they do so, they serve as an inspiring testament to the pivotal role of public servants in keeping our communities safe and secure.
