History
The birth of the San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team came as the result of a senseless tragedy. Late one February afternoon in 1958 a 13 year old boy went climbing on the Big Falls in Forest Falls, California while his family was having a picnic in the area. The young boy slipped and fell over 300 feet and landed in a pile of rocks, but amazingly survived. His screams could be heard over the roar of the falls. Several rescue attempts were made by the Air Force Rangers through out the night, but to no avail. The boy froze to death during the night and his body was finally recovered in the morning.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff, Frank Bland appointed Deputy Willard Farquhar to form the county's first rescue team. Ever since its formation in 1958, the team members have volunteered their time to search for lost hikers, downed aircraft, injured climbers, and lost children. Since 1958 the team has now grown to over 30 members and puts in 1000's of man hours each month in training, community safety presentations and actual searches and rescues.
Purpose
The San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team is a group of dedicated volunteers who care what happens to you while you are enjoying the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Team Members are on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year to search for people who are lost and to rescue those who are injured. The team is made up of volunteers from all walks of life: engineers, computer programmers, teachers, lawyers, mechanics, business professionals and police officers. The San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team is dedicated to helping those in need and educating the local communities about safety in the San Gorgonio Wilderness.
Team Membership
Team members are either citizen volunteers or reserve deputies in the Sheriff's Department. Anyone 18 years or older who would like to join the team can come to one of our monthly meetings or can contact us at the mailing or email addresses below.
Team Meetings and Trainings
The team meets at the Mill Creek Ranger Station on the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Visitors are welcome to attend the meeting.
The team trains together once a month. Trainings involve rope rescue, area familiarization, map and compass, GPS, ice axe and crampon use, snow survival, avalanche rescue, helicopter training, first aid, CPR, radio communications, and incident command operations. As well as team trainings, many team members take extra classes in rope rescue, winter skills, ATV use, and many other topics. All team members are avid hikers, backpackers, climbers and mountaineers and frequently take trips together to the Sierra Nevada or the Rocky Mountains.
Non-Profit Organization
The San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team is a non-profit volunteer organization. Team members purchase over a $1000 worth of personal gear out of their own pockets. All team equipment like ropes, litters, medical supplies, and rescue hardware is purchased solely through donations made by people in the community and through team fund-raising events. Perhaps you or your place of business would consider making a donation of funds or equipment that could just be what we need to save a life.
SAN GORGONIO SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM
MILL CREEK RANGER STATION
34701 HIGHWAY 38 ~ MENTONE, CA 92359