Re-established in 2020, LACSAR is an all volunteer search and rescue team that is dedicated to keeping adventurers and recreationists safe as they venture into the wild places of Las Animas County, Colorado. That's almost 8 per day across the state. Unpaid volunteers invested over 350,000 hours to help the people of their immediate communities, and to provide mutual aid to neighboring jurisdiction
s. In the days of COVID, even more people have been flocking to the backcountry, which has resulted in even more calls for aid. Between increased call volume, financial constraints and a dwindling volunteer force, SAR teams across the nation are stretched thin. Most teams are made up entirely of volunteers who provide their own gear, sacrifice their personal time and sometimes have to get creative when it comes to training. But, like all other First Responders, they answer the call regardless of personnel shortages, time of day or what tricks Mother Nature has up her sleeve. SAR volunteers don't have to charge up mountains or brave swollen rivers to help. There are many support roles that teams count on to keep them operating. Grant writers to help with funding, meal providers when missions last for days on end, educators that bring backcountry safety training to schools and youth groups ... the roles are as varied as the people that fill them. If you are interested in helping out your local SAR team, there four great ways to do so:
1 - Contact your local team, either through the County Sheriff's Office or CSAR, and see where your specific skills could best be used.
2 - Donate. Either directly, through CSAR, or the purchase of a CORSAR card.
3 - Before going into the backcountry familiarize yourself with the area, check the weather report, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back (and stick to the plan), and carry the ten essentials.
4 - If you get lost STAY WHERE YOU ARE!
11/26/2021
Just stoppin' by to wish our friends and neighbors a Happy Thanksgiving.
11/26/2021
