Marion County deputies and firefighters searched for some of their own in an extensive search-and-rescue training mission this week.
The exercise simulated missing hikers who were lost on the Florida Greenways and Trails system without a working phone.
The scenario was similar to one that played out six times in Marion County within the past year, including the case of a mom and three children who had to be recovered by helicopter when the woman didn't have a working phone to call for help.
It took a little more than 24 hours to find the four men in the training exercise.
"Even though it was a training scenario, it was very rewarding being able to find these guys and get them out safely," said Cpl. Mike Miley, of the Dunnellon Police Department.
Search-and-rescue crews used GPS, high-technology mapping and helicopters equipped with infrared technology on the search. They plan to go over what they learned and use it in the event of another emergency.