Search & Rescue News

Beaverhead Search and Rescue News

Submitted by Mel Rice-Public Relations Officer

The Beaverhead Search and Rescue held its monthly meeting last Wednesday, November 19. The meeting was called to order by commander Lawrence Morrisroe at 7:02 with 29 members in attendance. Roll was taken along with the introduction of guests, treasurer’s report given, and a recap of training opportunities coming up.

There was then a recap of all the search/rescue activities that have occurred since the last meeting. These included the search for a lost hunter in the Bull Creek drainage, East Fork Blacktail rescue, body recovery in the Selway Creek drainage, rescue of elderly gentleman in the Teddy Creek drainage, and 4 other InReach 911 hits that did not need response from the unit.

The unit will be purchasing new equipment with Mill money and with a donation from Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan. The new equipment includes a Can AM 1000 ATV, a 2010 Polaris 800 XP which is being acquired through the Government Surplus program, a body air splint, and communication equipment. The unit has been waiting for the arrival of our new Kenwood hand held radios. They are here and a training session will be held on the operation of these new radios as well as communication procedures and etiquette anytime someone is talking on the airwaves.

The next order of business was the introduction of the units 3 new probationary members. They are Joe Reyes, Jamie Rawson, and Jaime Triveete. If you see these individuals out and about during your travels, please congratulate them and thank them for their service.

The last order of business was a report from Tara Remely on the unit’s annual fish derby. The next derby will be held January 13, 2023. Sounds like a long ways away but it’s only two months. Get those ice augers sharpened up right after you put away the rifles. Everything will be the same as the last few years, more details to come next month.

After the general meeting was adjourned, the unit had a short training session with BJ Klose on the use of the phone app, “I Am Responding”. Some members of the unit have been having trouble getting the pages when we get called out and/or being able to understand them. This training was to get everyone acquainted with the program and know how to use it. Thank you BJ for giving up your time that evening to help us out.

The weather has warmed somewhat but it is still very chilly out there. Please don’t put yourself in a situation that could be life threatening due to the arctic weather. Not only is it cold, there is also lots of snow now. We have been fortunate not to have had lots of wind but even the little bit we’ve had has moved the snow around and has created horrible driving conditions in the mountains. Please be very careful. Know what you’re getting into and have all the proper equipment with you. Also be aware of snow conditions on the slopes. With winds starting to load slopes with the moving snow, avalanches will become more and more prevalent. Take care out there. “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.