The Mercer County Fair is a place for fun, food, and families—but behind the scenes, important work is quietly taking place. One group making a big difference with a humble presence is the Mercer County Search and Rescue team. Assistant Commander Mike Millar joined WRMJ’s Terry James at the fairgrounds to talk about their mission and their roots.
“We’re trained to find missing people, locate evidence, and assist the sheriff’s department,” Millar explained from the Search and Rescue tent at the fair. “We’re out walking the grounds, just making sure we’re available in case a child gets separated from their family. That’s what we’re here for—being visible and ready to help.”
Millar, a retired teacher, and Commander Gary Heard, formerly in school administration, helped form the group more than a decade ago after being approached by then-Sheriff Tom Thompson. What started with bake sales and a small team has grown into a well-equipped volunteer organization with GPS tracking systems, a search vehicle, and strong ties to the community.
The group relies on donations and fundraisers to maintain their tools and training. Donations can be mailed to Box One, Mercer County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Aledo, Illinois. They also host events like pork chop cookouts and an annual trivia night in October.
With around 40 dedicated volunteers, Mercer County Search and Rescue is on call year-round, often responding to night emergencies. The fair offers them a rare chance to connect with the community in daylight.
Millar’s favorite fair ride, if he were 14 again? “Probably the Ferris wheel,” he said with a smile. “Some of those others don’t bring back great memories.”
For Mike and his fellow volunteers, serving Mercer County isn’t just a duty—it’s a passion. “A lot of what we do is behind the scenes,” he said. “But we’re always ready to serve.”