http://foxillinois.com/news/local/volunteers-crews-continue-to-search-but-need-donations
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WRSP) — Some of the crew out searching for Shane Shomidie in the river are made up of volunteers.
Shane was last seen kayaking the Sangamon River on Saturday evening.
“We are so grateful for everything that they’ve done they worked so hard,” Shane’s mom, Della Thomas said.
The Sangamon County Rescue Squad began searching the river Saturday night.
“They donate their time out here,” said Marc Victor, chief of the Sangamon County Rescue Squad.
The squad receives money from the Sangamon County for things like fuel and liability insurance but they do not get paid to search.
“I just want to help people, “said Ronald Oller, Lieutenant for the Sangamon County Rescue Squad.
They all have different jobs but donate their time to help with the search.
The lieutenant for the squad works at the U.S. Postal Service but takes time off to assist the rescue squad.
“I take vacation time from work to come out here and assist with the operation,” Oller said.
A majority of their gear is handed down from other organizations or purchased with donations.
The equipment they are using in the search for Shane was purchased with donations from a previous search from several years ago.
“We had some dear friends that lost their son and they had a benefit for us and the donations from that we were able to purchase a boat and a sonar device,” Oller said.
Many people have also come out to Riverside park to donate food for the volunteers and the family.
“We are all just very grateful for all the time and effort all the volunteers have given they’re taking time away from their families and their jobs,” Thomas said.
The rescue squad said they need donations.
If you want to donate to the Sangamon County Rescue Squad, you can address donation to:
Sangamon County Rescue Squad,
Care of: Office of Emergency Management (OEM),
Attention: Bill Lee
Address: 2000 Shale St., Springfield, Illinois 62703