West Virginia Creates New Dive Team to Address Missing Persons, Evidence Recovery

HINTON, West Virginia — Governor Jim Justice announcement Wednesday, training a Natural Resources Police dive team within the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section.

Officials say the team will assist the agency's law enforcement efforts in boating incidents, missing persons cases and evidence recovery.

At the ceremony at Bluestone State Park, the team demonstrated their expertise by diving to the bottom of Bluestone Lake to retrieve a dog bone, which they then presented to Babydog.

“I am beyond proud to see this new dive team in action, helping to keep our state’s beautiful natural resources and people safe,” said Governor Justice. “These dedicated officers are truly top-notch and ready to dive in and take on any challenge that comes their way. Thank you to the Natural Resources Police and everyone who helped create this team. Your hard work is another shining example of our commitment to protecting our people and preserving the natural beauty of our great state.”

The WVDNR Law Enforcement Section Dive Team consists of 10 officers stationed throughout the state to ensure rapid response time and assist local and state agencies with their investigations.

The members completed two weeks of intensive open water training with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division's Aquatic Investigation and Recovery Team.

In addition to receiving initial certification, dive team members have completed over 100 hours of training in various methods, skills and equipment.