Robert J. Koester

Robert J. Koester joined the Appalachian Search & Rescue Conference in 1981 and since then has participated in hundreds of searches. His contribution to SAR include seminal research on lost person behavior, search theory, probability of detection, missing aircraft, and software development. He earned a PhD in search theory. He is a Search Mission Coordinator and instructor for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management where he developed training for Incident Commanders. Robert has worked for or with the US Coast Guard, NASA, National Park Service, FEMA, and DHS S&T. He is the author of numerous books and articles on search and rescue. Robert has presented on many different search topics all around the world.