Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE: 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2018

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department West Valley Search and Rescue Team is Seeking Volunteers to Join Their Nationally Recognized Organization

The wilderness areas of San Bernardino County, which include many peaks over 10,000 feet in elevation, provide a nearly unlimited number of recreational opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts. The rugged terrain found in many of these areas, and their close proximity to major population centers combine to create an environment that is both easily accessible and potentially hazardous.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is responsible for conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations to assist persons who become lost, stranded and/or injured in wilderness areas. The Department provides these services through several all-volunteer search and rescue teams.

Founded in 1986, West Valley Search and Rescue (West Valley SAR) is a non-profit, all volunteer search and rescue team dedicated to saving lives by providing search and rescue operations and wilderness safety education to the citizens of San Bernardino County. Team members are highly trained in technical rope rescue, alpine operations, search theory, man tracking, beacon search, avalanche rescue, and backcountry emergency medicine. As a fully-accredited member of the Mountain Rescue Association, the team also responds to emergencies throughout California and the United States.

In the course of a typical year, West Valley SAR responds to over 50 rescue missions, and its members contribute over 20,000 hours (500+ hours per member) of their personal time towards missions, trainings, public education and meetings. Whether it be the summit of Mount Baldy, the hills of the front country, the desert or the urban environment, West Valley SAR responds to help those in need - at any time, in any weather, for as long as it takes.

While most missions encompass providing aid to lost, stranded or injured backcountry travelers, it is not unusual for the team to provide its expertise in searches for Alzheimer patients or lost children,
evidence searches, wild land fire evacuations and as an emergency “stand-by” team at large events such as the Baldy Run-to-the-Top. In addition to search and rescue operations, the team provides community education through its Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) Program, which includes the internationally recognized "Hug-a-Tree and Survive" program for children.

Search and Rescue is not for the faint of heart, nor is it easy for the volunteers. Of course, these volunteers donate their time and skills, but they also pay for their own equipment and fuel. Why do they do it? That’s a question you might ask a search and rescue volunteer when you see them. For most, it is simply the reward of making a profound difference in the lives of others.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s West Valley SAR Team is currently recruiting highly motivated individuals who are seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. If you would like to learn more about this outstanding opportunity including the qualification requirements, like them on Facebook @ West Valley Search and Rescue, follow the link to their website and click the “Join Us” tab where you will find the Preliminary Application. Mail the application to the address listed on the website or bring it with you to the Recruitment Night below.

Please plan on joining the West Valley Search and Rescue team at their upcoming Recruitment Night:
Wednesday, August 22th, 2018 7pm – 9pm Life Bible Fellowship Church 2426 N. Euclid Ave Upland, CA 91784

www.westvalleysar.org [email protected] Voice Mail: 909-201-2982
Note: Do not use their voice mail to report lost or injured hikers.