ONE ON ONE | Ronald Wisbith Founder of volunteer search group enjoys outdoors

What is one of the group's primary missions?
It's a search for a missing person. You locate, you access them, you stabilize them, you transport them.
Tell us about the evolution of search, rescue and recovery since the time your group was founded?
When we started, rescue was not a household word the way it is today. The function of specialized rescue was just starting to materialize. Now we see all kinds of rescue out there. You see swift-water rescue, you see dive rescue, various search teams and dog teams.
Your group also helps search for evidence in criminal cases, doesn't it?
I'd have to say 60 percent of the cases we work on have potential for criminality.
This is a volunteer organization?
It's all volunteer. They have to be 18. If they're over 50, they have to come with a doctor's exam. There's a lot of physical work involved.
Is there training involved?
A lot of training. Our people go through a two-year program. At the end of that two years, they'll be certified.
Tell us about the group's founding?
We [the founders] were all Boy Scout leaders. We wanted to do more than what we were doing with the boys. We were the outdoors type, and we wanted an outdoor activity. I came across search and rescue, and I said, "This fits. This is outdoors and that is what search and rescue is all about." So we started building on that.
How did the original name "Rescue 40" come about?
The word "rescue" just fit. We had these "40s" patches because that was what the Scout troop was, Troop 40. We just used those.
What do you like best about living in rural Columbiana County?
I like the country. It's quiet. It's terrific. We like the peaceful life.
Who are some of your heroes?
I'm an avid reader of history. I've looked at many people for a lot of different reasons. Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, George Patton, Ronald Reagan.
What are some of the common denominators among those whom you admire?
They all had a good moral background. They believed in what they were doing, and they stuck to their guns. Even when they had the odds against them. That's something we're missing in this country today.
What type of models do you like to build?
Aircraft and military miniatures.
Any other pastimes?
Music. In my earlier days I had a band.
What instrument do you play?
The saxophone. Every couple weeks I'll play a little bit.
What's your favorite type of music?
I'm a jazz fan. I had the honor, when I was in the service, of seeing all the big bands.
You seem to be in good shape. How do you manage that?
I do a lot of outside work. I do some exercise. I do a little weight-lifting and walking. Occasionally I go backpacking.
Any interesting hiking trips you've taken?
Three times in the last four years, we've gone to Canada.
You seem to be a believer in life-time learning.
Absolutely. My philosophy is that if you learn one new thing each day, at the end of the year you have quite a repertoire. Except, when you get older, remembering is a problem. (He laughs.)
Who was the biggest influence on your life?
I don't know if there's any one person who I can say I've patterned myself after. I've liked people who were successful in whatever they did. The most common thread is determination.