John Sanders, Pickaway County Sheriffs Special Operation Water Rescue Unit Commander, Director of National Underwater Rescue Recovery Institute, IDEA Scuba Diving Instructor, ERDI Public Safety Instructor, Public Safety Diving Association Instructor, NURI Instructor since 1970, and Public Safety Diver since 1964 has worked on 631 drownings. John has been diving since 1957.
John C. Whittington, D.O., R.Ph. Dr. Whittington began diving at age 19 during a mandatory Physical Education class at The Ohio State University.
Circumstances, however, did not lead to much opportunity to explore this new-found sport as Columbus, Ohio did not provide much in the way of warm, clear waters. School and family took priority during the next few decades.
In 1998, a reemphasis was placed on SCUBA and through associations with divers at Circleville Twin Quarries, the need to enjoy the sport only in those warm, clear waters diminished. Enjoyment of not-so-warm (cold, icy) and not-so-clear (minimal visibility and black) waters was entertained. Unfortunately, this type of aquatic environment was commonly found in the area.
More importantly, these associations and forming friendships developed with like-minded divers that were working to help drowning victims and their families develop closure. Also, law enforcement had a need to recover and document items that found their way into our muddy and dark waters, thus allowing them to investigate criminal acts more completely.
Over the last 12 years, his attention has been focused on techniques and technology to accomplish these goals.
Dr. Whittington holds multiple diving certifications. He is now employed by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy as a Compliance Specialist. Previously, he spent eighteen years as a Family Practitioner in the Lancaster, Ohio area; Dr. Whittington is Board Certified in Family Practice and is also a Registered Pharmacist.
Public Safety Diving Presentation - Side Scan Sonar
Dr. John Whittington and John Sanders will present side scan sonar for Public Safety Search and Recovery.