MIAMI COUNTY, OH — In times of heartbreak, one local nonprofit is stepping up to bring hope and closure to families with missing loved ones. Locate and Recovery Assistance (LARA Miami Valley), founded in 2024, is a growing team of trained volunteers who provide boots-on-the-ground search and recovery services across the region.
Founded by Sarah Jackson (President), Chris Wolford (Secretary), and Josh Blackshire (Treasurer), LARA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping in both active and cold missing persons cases. While the group primarily focuses on Miami, Shelby, and Montgomery Counties, they’re willing to deploy anywhere their help can make a difference.
“We began informally by helping with community searches for a missing girl in Troy last year,” said co-founder Josh Blackshire. “That experience made it clear how important it is to have a dedicated, organized team of volunteers who are willing to step up when someone in your community goes missing. LARA was created to fill that need.”
Unlike many traditional search groups, LARA remains involved well after official agencies end their efforts. While the team always works with law enforcement approval, they also respond directly to family requests — offering extended support that most other teams can’t.
“Police departments usually have just a few days’ worth of manpower and resources to actively search,” Blackshire explained. “When those resources run dry, most groups pull out. We don’t. We continue working — sometimes around the clock — until we feel every viable lead and area has been exhausted.”
Currently, LARA is actively assisting in two cases involving missing veterans — one in Vandalia and a cold case in Covington. While they’ve experienced quiet successes, the team operates under a principle they call the Silent Angel Policy: no recoveries, whether living or deceased, are shared or celebrated publicly.
“This work isn’t about recognition,” Blackshire said. “In many cases, we’re locating deceased victims. Even if you’re prepared, seeing that firsthand stays with you. Our goal is to bring closure — not attention.”
The organization is entirely volunteer-driven, with no salaries or compensation for team members. All donations go directly toward mission-critical expenses such as insurance, mapping software, radios, safety gear, and training.
“Insurance alone is over $2,000 a year, and our mapping software is $350,” Blackshire noted. “We’ve spent thousands out-of-pocket just to stay ready. With more community support, we can train more volunteers and assist on more cases.”
Get Involved
LARA Miami Valley welcomes adult volunteers (18+) who are mentally and emotionally prepared for the demands of search and recovery work. Those interested can learn more and join their community at:
📌 facebook.com/groups/LARAMiamiValley
🌐 www.laramiamivalley.org
“All donations are tax-deductible,” said Blackshire. “Even a small contribution can help us bring someone home.” said Blackshire.
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