Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 7:27 pm
The Chief wrote:They don't have that option, they are Professionals, have a job to perform that they have chosen to do.
That is why they are there doing what they do.
We should all be glad and thankful that those few select folks out there, that choose to operate in this capacity, do so.
A couple of months ago, I got separated from my partner in a white-out on Mt. Baldy. For several nerve-wracking hours I feared the worst. Fortunately, later that night the clouds cleared, the winds calmed, and my friend got a ride off the mountain in a helicopter.
Several friends and people I work with asked if and how we were going to pay for the SAR, or they criticized us for wasting tax dollars on the cost of the SAR. We were not asked to pay anything to volunteers or public agencies who assisted in the SAR. I have heard that some states do come after people who end up using assistance from SAR missions. I don't think that's the law in California. I think it's like Chief says, they're professionals, its their job. This doesn't mean that anyone should frivolously endanger themselves or request a SAR because they want an easy way off the mountain or out of the backcountry. The humiliation of having to throw in the towel and get SAR help is enough deterent for me.
The helicopter that my friend got the ride from was owned and operated by the San Bernardino County Sherrif's Department. The pilot and crew fly that aircraft on patrol 7 days a week regardless if anyone needs help or not.
So more back on topic, I also would not ask or expect anyone to take an extraordinary risk to rescue me or recover my body, but I am very appreciative of those who conduct SAR and body recovery missions as their profession or calling.