Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, December 28, 2019

SEARCH AND RESCUE

Continued from page 1millions of dollars in expenses. Search and rescue teams, the National 
Park Service, and fire departments accrue millions of dollars of expenses. Different states 
and counties are pursuing different ways of covering these expenses. For example, individuals 
in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Colorado can be charged for rescue, but these 
states also offer annual cards that in most circumstances protect the cardholder from being 
charged. Proceeds from the sale of these cards generally go to the local search and rescue 
teams. In Europe, most outdoor enthusiasts carry specialized insurance because individuals 
will be charged for rescue.

In our local mountains, though, individuals are not charged for rescue, and SMSR gets no 
money from any government organizations. All of the Team’s funding comes from charitable 
donations. The Team depends on the community, and SMSR is thankful that for 68 years the 
community has provided the financial support that enables us to function.

Recently, the Rotary Club of Sierra Madre provided a grant to SMSR that enables the Team to 
purchase new medical backpacks. While a portion of the Team’s budget is fulfilled by grants 
like these, most of the budgetary needs are met by individuals who give to the team. When 
you donate to SMSR, you help ensure that no one who is lost or injured in our local mountains 
needs to worry about how they will pay for help. You can contribute through the Team’s 
website at smsr.org or via mail at Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team, PO Box 24, Sierra 
Madre, CA 91025. 

Since 1951, the all-volunteer Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team has responded to calls for 
help in the local mountains and beyond. SMSR also provides a range of free wilderness safety 
education programs. For more information on the Team, to donate, or to arrange a wilderness 
safety demonstration for your school or group, visit www.smsr.org. 

Story By Carolyn Grumm and Photos courtesy of SMSR. 

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Mountain View News Saturday, December 28, 2019

 
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