Our History
Houston country rescue unit was formed in 1963 after a tornado destroyed a house, blowing a victim into a nearby pond causing him to drown. Houston County residents recognized the need for a squad specializing in search and recovery, and thus the HCRU was formed. Members provide emergency search and rescue services to any law enforcement, emergency management, fire, or medical agency within 250 miles of Houston County free of charge. No member receives individual pay or compensation for their service.
Meet the Team
Chris Ball
Chris Ball joined HCRU in January 2019 and became the Board President in 2021. Chris moved to Houston County from the west coast where he started his diving career in 1992. Chris has since become a recreational/technical scuba instructor that naturally progressed into the world of public safety diving. Chris has over 13 years’ experience in Public Safety diving and has been a part of over 100 rescue/recovery operations. His Experience and knowledge about SAR operations is a great value to HCRU and the citizens we serve.
Walt Lightsey
Walt joined HCRU in 2013 and serves as the current Vice-President. Including his current role, Walt has held multiple officer positions since 2016. Walt obtained his open water SCUBA certification while enrolled at Georgia Southern University in 2013. Throughout the years, Walt has obtained numerous certifications that include Public Safety Diver (ERD I), Rescue Diver, and many others. Along with being an active member of HCRU, Walt is also a member of the Cowarts Volunteer Fire Department.
Wayne McKinnon
Wayne joined HCRU in January 1987 and has served as Dive Team Captain, Secretary, VicePresident, and President for most of his tenure with the organization. He was the first diver ever deployed for an HCRU rescue / recovery dive mission. Wayne is a scuba instructor and earned several SCUBA certifications including Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Public Safety DiverInstructor. He has lived in Dothan/Houston County for forty-six years and is a highly valued member of HCRU and of the community.
Lindsay Lightsey
Lindsay is HCRU Treasurer.
Megan Ball
Megan serves as HCRU's secretary.
Shaun Simon
Shaun Joined HCRU in 2020 and has served on the board for two years. After serving 8 years on active duty, including 5 tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, he wanted to continue serving his community and country and found his calling with HCRU. Since joining HCRU he has assisted in numerous recoveries and training exercises. His diving certifications include Public Safety Diver (ERD I), Rescue Diver, and many others. His previous DoD experience and dedication to highly functioning teams makes him a valued asset to HCRU and the community.
Lloyd Townsell
Lloyd is a certified Rescue Diver, and current board member.
Chad Adaway
Chad is a certified Rescue Diver and current board member.
Tamara Moser
Tamara is a certified Rescue Diver and major contributor to HCRU. Additionally, she is a certified CPR and O2 instructor.
Doug Davidson
Doug is a certified Rescue Diver.
Drew Caldwell
Drew is a certified Rescue Diver.
Davian Burse
Davian is a valued member of HCRU's land SAR team.