2011 GRAND GALA RECIPIENT

Grand County Search and Rescue

 A word from GCSAR President, Tim Smith ~

"Grand County Search and Rescue is an all-volunteer team of dedicated professional rescuers. Our mission is to serve the residents and guests of Grand County by providing year-round backcountry search and rescue services.  Our volunteer members respond to emergency calls at all times of the day and night, giving of themselves to help others in need. 

The team provides in-house training throughout the year, as well as numerous training seminars offered in the Rocky Mountain region.  We specialize in all aspects of mountain rescue, including vertical rock rescue, avalanche, aircraft and auto accidents, swiftwater rescue, winter evacuation and search technique.  Many of our members are also qualified as basic life support technicians (med-techs), who provide expedient medical care to patients away from definitive care.  All of this training takes major commitments from our members, but the rewards are found in saving lives, or simply providing comfort where it is needed. 

Grand County Search and Rescue is a long-time member of the Mountain Rescue Association, which tests our skills every five years.  We are very proud of our accreditation with the MRA, as it is the recognized authority in mountain rescue, with over 50 years of cumulative knowledge gained from teams throughout the world.  As members of the MRA, we provide the same level of service to other Colorado counties when called upon.  We also work with numerous federal, state and local agencies, including the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Division of Wildlife, State Patrol, Grand County Sheriff, Grand County EMS and all of the Grand County fire departments."