East Central Reporter

The Shelby County Dive Team has been instructed to halt all operations.

“Dear Austin,

The organization known as The Shelby County Dive Team, it’s members, and it’s equipment need to cease any and all operations until further notice. Including, but not limited to, training exercises, 911 response calls, equipment maintenance, assistance to area departments, mutual aide response, etc. No operation of any type is allowed to happen, until further notice. Due to a lack of proper and legal formation, the members, it’s equipment, etc. have no insurance coverage which places the County of Shelby at an unnecessary risk of exposure. We will address this matter and work to solve it as quickly as possible.

Thank you,

Sonny Ross”

The lack of proper and legal formation is an issue that was raised over three years ago and it appears no steps were taken to resolve that serious issue. Serious because no insurance company is going to cover an entity that was never legally set up to operate and we understand that fact has been confirmed. We also understand the current policies used by the dive team have never been approved by the County Board, making them meaningless.

While the solution to this problem is relatively easy, until the proper resolution, policies, and appointments are made by the County Board, along with establishing the appropriate insurance coverage, they are currently not to operate.

We will update you with additional information as it comes in.

This story was originally published by Edgar County Watchdogs. Read the original HERE.