National Search and Rescue Week
Friday, May 17, 2024
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Posted by: Chris Boyer
NATIONAL SAR WEEK
WASHINGTON,
DC – Today, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) honoring our nation’s Search and
Rescue personnel by designating May 16 through May 22 as National Search
and Rescue Week. The bipartisan resolution was also sponsored by
Senators Patty Murray, Mike Crapo, Jeff Bingaman, Barbara Boxer, Mike
Enzi, Lisa Murkowski, and Ron Wyden.
“As an avid hiker and mountaineer, I take steps to prepare myself and minimize my risk whenever I pack for a trip,” Senator Cantwell said. “But
I understand that no amount of preparation can protect you from an
accidental misstep or an unforeseen circumstance, and it is often the
swift response of trained search and rescue personnel that makes the
difference between tragedy and survival. Every day in Washington state
and across our nation, these brave volunteers exemplify courage,
commitment and compassion in performing their duties. Today, we have
passed a small act of recognition for their heroic efforts.”
Search
and Rescue organizations are composed of paid and volunteer experts in
search and rescue and disaster response. They work for military, law
enforcement, and civilian organizations. Search and Rescue personnel
come from a wide range of skilled backgrounds, including pilots,
mountaineers, divers, urban technicians, dog handlers, backcountry
horsemen, and snowmobilers.
A
2009 study reveals on average, national parks launch 11 search and
rescue operations per day. Typically weekends are busiest, and it is day
hikers, young men and boaters who are most commonly in need of help.
Washington state is home to three of the 58 National Parks in the United
States.
Early
Sunday morning in Washington state, Search and Rescue workers came to
the aid of a snowboarder who went missing Saturday afternoon on Mount
Hood. Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue volunteers worked through the
night and helped Portland Mountain Rescue volunteers finally locate the
missing man. And just a few weeks ago, the King County Search and Rescue
found an injured mountain biker near Lake Tradition.
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