BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) - Badlands Search and Rescue is commemorating seven years of service, reflecting on its growth from a small volunteer initiative into a vital resource for search-and-rescue operations across North Dakota.

The organization was founded in September 2018 by Travis Bateman, who identified a critical gap in search and rescue capabilities while serving as a deputy sheriff in McKenzie County. What began as a local effort has evolved into a team committed to improving search tactics, rescue readiness, and survival education in remote and backcountry areas.

Since its formation, Badlands SAR has focused on building true knowledge of search operations, recognizing that effective rescues depend on the ability to locate individuals first. The team has emphasized that while rescue

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