TEXSAR Launches Missing Persons Unit
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) Launches Missing Persons Unit and Hires Retired Texas Ranger, Todd Snyder
March 29, 2023, Austin, TX: TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue) has launched the TEXSAR Missing Persons Unit (MPU). This unit will be led by retired Texas Ranger, Todd Snyder. The MPU will work with local law enforcement agencies on their missing person caseloads.
“After extensive involvement in missing person cases over the years and seeing the overload of cases many of the agencies work with, TEXSAR hopes to provide some relief where possible and closure to the families of the missing.” says TEXSAR CEO, Justin McInnis. Over 50% of TEXSAR deployments since 2013 have been missing persons cases. TEXSAR will use its vast experience, knowledge of lost persons, technological resources and the experience of Todd Snyder and his extensive network of law enforcement contacts to embark on this journey.
Todd has been in law enforcement for almost 30 years and has held many different positions with the Texas Department of Public Safety to include: Trooper, Texas Ranger, Texas Ranger Sergeant/Lieutenant/Captain/Major/Assistant Chief and he finally retired as the Regional Director of the Central Texas Region. Snyder shared, “I understand the trust that has been placed in me and will work with a forward purpose to further the mission of TEXSAR and serve the communities of this great state. I am honored to be a part of an organization that gives selflessly with investment to never let the missing, or their families forget they are valued and supported!” McInnis added, “We are excited about Todd’s joining our team and leading the newly formed Missing Persons Unit, and quite confident in Todd in utilizing his experience to begin this meaningful work and assist in the continuation of our core mission of Texans Helping Texans”.
TEXSAR does not self-deploy and only works at the request of law enforcement and emergency responders. TEXSAR will manage the MPU in a similar fashion working directly with law enforcement agencies. TEXSAR aims to continue their reputation of professionalism and excellence as they embark on this journey. As evidence of this work, in January of this year, TEXSAR was recognized by the Governor’s Office and the OneStar foundation as the recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Award for Excellence in Disaster Volunteerism.
About TEXSAR: Qualified, committed Texans volunteering to serve fellow Texans in times of disasters and tragedies…that’s TEXSAR. Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) is composed of volunteers who are dedicated Texans Helping Texans with a spirit of “service above self” during times of emergency, loss, disaster, and pain. TEXSAR makes itself available as a resource to all 254 counties in the state when requested by local, state, or federal agencies. Entering the limelight during the Memorial Day Hill Country floods of 2015 when the organization was 12 years old, it has remained a highly visible and requested resource in search and rescue, including services such as K-9, tracking, aerial assets, fast water capabilities, all-terrain and high-water assets, and more. For example, in 2022, TEXSAR required the use of all TEXSAR resources in 71 deployments implemented by its dedicated members and numerous volunteers operating out of four divisions: North Texas, Gulf Coast, South Central and Central. More than 27,000 volunteer hours served Texans in 2022, with an estimated value just shy of $1 million. The true value of their benefit to first responders, agencies and families is priceless.
For media inquiries contact, Shannon Smith at 512-956-6727 or shannon.smith@texsar.org.
