KVRS NEWS:

November 11, 2011 - At 1400 the duty officer was contacted with a report of a 30 yr. old male hunter lost in the Carlanna Lake Drainage. The reporting source advised he had gone hunting sometime around 1300. The subject had contacted the reporting source by cell phone and advised he had turned left at the dam, crossed the creek, followed the fence line and then went up the hill to the north side of the lake. He reported on the way down he started following the wrong flagged trail, and did not know where he was but thought he was to the north of the lake. He reported to be wet and cold but uninjured. Search crews were dispatched and at 1737 the Comm Van established a command center at the trailhead. Temsco was contacted and arrived in the search area at 1538 with a KVRS crew onboard.  Cell phone contact was made with the subject and despite a failing cell phone battery the subject was able to talk the helicopter into his position. A dog team supported by a ground team was dispatched at 1617 and at 1637 located the subject and escorted him back to the trailhead, arriving at 1750. 

November 10, 2011 - KVRS has recently provided the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with SPOT beacons as part of a statewide FAA test of the beacons. According to local FAA officials they have been seeing sharp increases in aircraft using the beacons and are testing the connectivity and the emergency alert response system. The SPOT beacons are not designed to take the place of the aircraft’s ELT but would provide a satellite based beacon, this following the federal governments decision to have the satellites stop monitoring for the 121.5 ELT’s. According to KVRS the newer 406 mhz ELT are slowly making their appearance in the commercial aircraft operations but the high cost is preventing their installation in most general aviation aircraft. KVRS has been loaning the SPOT beacons out for a little over a year and are very pleased with the program, loaning out over 200 beacons during the summer season.   

July 10, 2011 - The search continues for the missing snowboarder on Deer Mountain. While the search was officially suspended on March 20th, members have been keeping an eye on the area and “training operations” are continuing to be run in the area. Many thanks go out to members who continue to look, and to Steve and Miles who continue to make fixed wing and helicopter flights into the area. The snow continues to recede and hope to locate clues soon.

June 21, 2011 - The tourist season is now in full swing and the new KVRS SPOT Beacon Loaner Program is really starting to take off.

This program was envisioned two years ago after KVRS personnel rescued a visiting fisherman from Jordan Lake. The victim had

slipped and broken his leg. Communications are not possible from his location and not knowing if help would arrive, he activated hispersonal SPOT beacon.

KVRS eventually did received word that the beacon was active but little was known about the program and nothing was known about the victim or the circumstances that placed the beacon at the lake. The rescue went well, but help was delayed by the long route of notification’s necessary to get word to KVRS. 

Following this rescue KVRS reviewed the last few years of search data and found a sharp increase in the number of visitors who were getting hurt or lost in the local area. Several beacons were investigated before deciding the SPOT Satellite Beacon was the best choice. A grant from the Commercial Passenger Vessel program through the Ketchikan Gateway Borough provided the funding for the purchase of the beacons and air rescue training to support the program.

Today KVRS loans out between 4 - 6 beacons a day to visitors and locals alike that are out enjoying the wilderness or taking extended trips. Our beacons have even been deployed internationaly with several trips into Canada, and one trip planned to Australia!

We couldn’t be happier with the program, said Jerry Kiffer, “This program will save lives” KVRS has a limited supply of beacons, so are on a first come first serve basis, they can be picked up at the Visitors Center downtown or by contacting the Rescue Squad’s office at 225-9010. KVRS has plans to extend the program into the local marine and outfitting stores, as funding becomes available.

There is no charge for the loan of the beacons, all that is asked, is that you fill out a trip plan and have a good time exploring what our community has to offer . . .

June 13, 2011 - The Alaska State Troopers contacted the duty officer reporting a possible accident, they advised they had been in contact with somebody on a satellite phone who reported somebody had fallen and was unconscious, and they reported their position as between George Inlet and Clarence Straight. The connection was lost before an accurate location was given. A short time later the Troopers re-contacted the duty officer to report they had re-established contact and determined it may be a logging accident near Coon Cove in George Inlet.

A tone was put out for a rescue crew and Guardian Flight was contacted to provide EMS support The team assembled at Temsco, Two Huges 500’s were dispatched, after a short search of the position given the accident sight was located A three man survey crew was working on a survey line when one of the crew cut a tree and had a limb fall on him, her was unconscious for several minutes and reported back and neck pain.

Rescue helicopters were staged in an open muskeg near the site, one of the 500’s was configured and rigged for long line operations and the other was sent back to Ketchikan to switch out with the ASTAR for medivac operations. A stokes litter and supplies were slung into the accident site. The patient was packaged and brought back to the open muskeg where he was loaded into an ASTAR for the flight to the hospital.

It was reported later the victim was transported to Seattle with a fracture of his neck, he is expected to make a full recovery.

May 7, 2011 - At 1730 a KVRS member contacted the office to report an ELT heard at the State Seaplane Float. He advised the signal was strong but fell off quickly the farther from the general area. The team was enroute when flight service called to report the signal; they advised they were hearing a weak signal at the airport.  The team arrived at the State Float and tracked the signal to a private aircraft. The aircraft was on the ramp and in no distress. When the team opened the door the signal stopped. It was undetermined if the signal was actually from the aircraft. The team stood by for a half hour and no further signals were heard.

The owner of the aircraft was contacted and he advised he didn’t think the signal was from his aircraft as the ELT had not been working properly and he had a new one to replace it. To date the signal had not returned and it is thought the movement of the aircraft when the team stepped on the float caused the unit to stop transmitting.

May 4, 2011 - At 0600 Flight Service contacted the office reporting an ELT transmitting in the Ketchikan area. They reported the signal was being heard on the High Mountain site but not at the airport. The DF team was notified and at 0715 the signal was located at a local air taxi. The aircraft was on the ramp at their facility and was in no distress.

The owner was unsuccessful at resetting the unit using the remote switch so removed the unit. Water was found in the modular connection for the remote switch, it is possible the water was able to enter the unit causing the failure.

                           Goodbye Annie

Annie started life as a stray, and we were the lucky family who adopted her from the local shelter on Christmas Eve, 1997.

Annie was Ketchikan’s first certified wilderness airscent Search and Rescue dog. She assisted in many Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad K-9 missions over the years and worked incredibly hard. She was so enthusiastic and

happy that she brought a smile to many peoples’ faces even in dire circumstances.

She was the recipient of the “Community Service Award” from the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce in 2000 for her search

and rescue work, and attended the dinner to receive the award alongside me.

Annie loved tennis balls, swimming, searching for people, eyebrow rubs and every person she met. Annie enjoyed the beach more than any dog I’ve ever seen. She loved to rip up and wallow in muskeg holes, tear small alders out of the ground, and to boss other dogs around.

Annie competed in obedience trials and trained in agility with me. She loved to please, and did everything I asked of her, at high speed. She traveled to many other cities with us; rode on boats, planes, helicopters; and hiked endless miles.

Annie taught me about patience, loyalty, tenacity and how to embrace life.

We miss you terribly, Annie-Bird!

Your family, Danelle, David, Jackson, Claire and Izaak

April 14, 2011 - At 1500 the flight service station in Ketchikan notified the duty officer of an ELT transmitting in the Ketchikan area. Flight Service advised the signal was very strong and was thought to be at the airport. Initial signal evaluation seemed to indicate the signal was moving and possibly airborne but at 1600 the signal was located on a aircraft in the Ketchikan area. The owner was notified and quickly secured the signal. The battery had been replaced earlier in the day and while the unit was correctly reinstalled and had been placed in the arm position, the unit was found transmitting.

This is a reminder to all pilots to check your ELT before take off, ELT failures, while not common do happen and if the battery is run down due to an accidental activation or failure, the unit will likely not work in an emergency

March 29, 2011 - In an effort to make it easier to donate to the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad we have established a PayPal button on the website. It is located on the contacts page. Click on donate and if you have a PayPal account you will be asked to log into your account and you may use the form to make a donation. If you do not have an account the system will walk you through the process of creating your account and will then accept your donation.

Of course if you prefer to donate by mailing in a check, the address is posted on the same page. Thank you, for considering our organazation!

March 27, 2011 - Members of the Ketchikan snow machine riders reached Deer Mountain Cabin this weekend, they were able to search the area and reported deep snow but no sightings of the missing snowboarder. Jerry Kiffer of KVRS reports the snow machine club has often helped out on search and rescue cases and are well prepared for back country travel and appreciate them taking the opportunity to look around while in the search area.

March 20, 2011 - Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad (KVRS) officials have suspended the search for a 35 year old snowboarder missing on Deer Mountain as of 1530 hrs today. The search, started Saturday March 12th involved 28 KVRS members including two KVRS dog teams , the Alaska State Troopers, and three members of SEADOGS of Juneau, and many members of the community who supported efforts by supplying food and other support.

 During the final briefing Jerry Kiffer of KVRS advised that while the team was not able to bring the victim home the operation should be considered a success, “The area covered by search crews in some very difficult weather was amazing” The first five days of the operation included winds as high as 50 mph and over 5 feet of new snow resulted in very high avalanche danger and visibility at times down to 20 feet.  The weather moderated on day 7 of the search allowing two certified avalanche dogs from SEADOGS out of Juneau were able to reach the avalanche slides on the north face of the mountain. Deep snow, in excess of 20 feet has hampered search efforts making spotting tracks or other clues impossible.  

KVRS officials feel when the snow begins to recede it is likely he will be located.  Anybody traveling on the mountain should have snowshoes, avalanche beacons, and be trained in avalanche awareness and back country travel. KVRS supplies SPOT satellite beacons free of charge for back country travel, just contact their office at 225-9010.

March 19, 2011 - Search crews had another good day on the mountain today in the search for a snowboarder missing since last Saturday. The weather has been good for the last two days providing good visibility and snow conditions allowing search crews to get into the two smaller avalanche chutes on the north face of the mountain. Four ground teams and two avalanche trained search dogs from SEADOGS were deployed this morning to search the avalanche areas, and surrounding tree line; nothing was found however the depth of the snow may have been a factor so crews used avalanche probes to penetrate the snow layers in hopes of improving the air flow from under the snow. Operations are scheduled to resume at 0630 tomorrow morning.

March 18, 2011 - KVRS continues to search for the missing snowboarder on Deer Mountain. Operations resumed today with the first of seven flights to shuttle search crews to the Deer Mountain saddle near the cabin. Three search teams and two dog teams spent the entire day on the mountain according to Jerry Kiffer of KVRS. The weather was great and the avalanche and snow conditions were much improved. It was nearly perfect weather. One of two high probability areas was searched and the second one was started before crew had to be returned. Ground searches scoured the tree lines and areas most likely traveled by snowboarders. The canine units searched the entire bowl area and likely areas were probed using avalanche probes, searches found snow in some places over 8 feet deep. Nothing was sighted and no clues located today, said Kiffer we have brought two search dogs down from SEADOGS in Juneau that has specialized training in avalanche, they and their handles will be deployed tomorrow morning into the avalanche chutes not yet searched.

March 17, 2011 - KVRS reports the weather window seems to be arriving earlier than anticipated. Search operations will resume at 0630 tomorrow. It is anticipated aircraft operations will be used to insert search crews into the saddle between the Deer Mountain summit and the Fin, a location Mr. Madden is known to snowboard in. Danelle Landis of the KVRS canine rescue team that has been operating on the mountain all week has suggested certified avalanche dogs be brought in to search the avalanche debris field, “The dogs are trained differently for avalanche and would likely yield a better possibility of detection (POD).” The nearest avalanche team is in Juneau and have been placed on standby for deployment on Saturday morning if conditions on the mountain are found to be safe enough to deploy personnel into the avalanche chute.

March 16, 2011 - Due to weather and the increasing avalanche danger search operations have been suspended until Saturday March 19th Jerry Kiffer of KVRS reports it is felt a 24 hr. period is needed in order to let the snow layers consolidate, making it safe for ground teams to travel in the area we need to search. The conditions on the mountain are improving and will improve to the point helicopter operations will be possible in the high probability areas we have been having difficulty getting to.  March 15, 2011 - Search operations are continuing today on Deer Mountain for a 35 year old male missing from a snowboard trip to the Deer Mountain saddle. The weather conditions on the mountain have been horrendous with several feet of fresh snow and winds in access of 50 mph near the top of the mountain. High winds and limited visibility is hampering the search effort and is forcing the helicopter operations below the 1500 foot level of the mountain. Jerry Kiffer of KVRS reports that the primary search area including the cabin and saddle have only been open for aerial search for a short time on Sunday and the only ground teams that were able to make it into the area were dealing with whiteout conditions with visibility less than 20 feet at times.   

March 13, 2011 - Search operations continue in the search for a 35 year old snowboarded overdue from a day hike up to Deer Mountain. He was reported to KVRS overdue when he failed to return at 1830. The parents report he is an experienced outdoors person who snowboards every weekend in the Mount Hood area and grew up here in Ketchikan, making many trips up Deer Mountain in the winter. He was sighted around 1200 Saturday headed up the mountain just below the second overlook, he reported the snow was deeper that when he was up the mountain the week before and wished he had snowshoes but was moving slowly up the trail. Search teams were able to reach the north face of the mountain late Saturday night before being turned around due to high winds and avalanche dangers.

KVRS recently lost a valued member of our search and rescue team with the loss of a veteran search dog. “Kali”, was a all American lab/heeler mix adopted from Ketchikan Animal Shelter and certified for KVRS May 2003.

Owner/Handler Carol Towne fondly remembers the countless hours spent training and working and doing demos and going on searches with my working partner "Kali", I think of her desire to work. She loved "playing" the search game more than anything else.

When she was diagnosed with liver cancer in December 2010, I knew it was time to say goodbye. I came home and sadly hung her working vest up, and composed this short poem.
                                                                                                    SAR Dog "Kali" 1997-2010
                      The Passing of SAR Dog "Kali"

                              Remembering the years....                                                            

                       Yesterday she went to sleep
                      But all the memories I still keep
                 Today, we hang up her searching vest
                    Knowing that she gave her best....

                        And some tomorrow day......
                       A new pup will come to play.

Mike Belfry is found hard at work in the shop. Mike is readying the port main engine for installation in Rescue 41. The 41 foot search and rescue boat is one of our search vessels used for medium weather response.

The 2011 helicopter training program begins with ground school. Instructor Reid Parker conducts

this years training at Temsco Helicopters classroom. Students spend the day in the classroom learning about aircraft safety, performance, and capabilities before moving to the hanger where familiarization with the aircraft take place. KVRS normally uses the Eurocopter AS350 and the MDH 500D. Students learn the proper techniques for approaching and loading the aircraft, and familiarize themselves with aircraft systems and safety procedures. The second bay of the training includes flight training including off airport landing and external load operations.

Jerry Kiffer reports KVRS has for over 50 years worked almost exclusively with Temsco helicopters. We consider their experience and participation in search and rescue a critical component of our operation, and are once again very pleased to be working with Temsco to deliver this training.

Ketchikan volunteer rescue squad meets weekly to perform training, equipment maintenance

and other chores needed to keep the operation running smoothly, pictured at right are members of the mountain rescue team practicing knots.

Give the office a call if you are interest in joining!

November 29, 2010 - At 1:32 pm November 29, 2010 the duty officer was contacted by a member of the Ketchikan Fire Department who was in cell phone contact with two hikers lost on Deer Mountain.  The two advised they had spent the night at the Deer Mountain cabin and had left the cabin around noon and had almost immediately lost the trail so headed straight down the mountain until they got to a set of steep cliffs and could not go any farther. They advised they were just below the snowline, they were wet and cold but other than a few scratches were uninjured.

Crews were dispatched to the trailhead; the Communications Van arrived at 2:30 pm and setup a staging area. Helicopter support was not available due to the approaching darkness and the 40 knot winds and rain/fog. The first search crews started up the trail at 2:52 pm and shortly after 7:00 pm were able to locate the two just above the 1500 foot level of the north face of the mountain. They were in good condition, wet and cold but able to move on their own. The team gave them some dry clothes and fed them some hot soup before starting back to the trail. They were located approximately 1000’ from the trail and some 900 feet above it. Do to the extreme terrain and the high winds and rain the team had difficulty getting the two hikers back to the trail and at approximately 3:00 am the next morning the team reached a ravine that was deemed to difficult to cross with the limited rope rescue equipment they had with them. The team made camp and waited until morning when a second rope rescue team arrived to assist them in getting the hikers crossed.

The hikers were delivered to the trailhead at 1:12 pm the next afternoon. They reported this was their last day in Alaska and were scheduled to leave for home on the ferry, they indicated they were looking for an Alaskan adventure but not quite one this dangerous.

September 5, 2010 - The Alaska Communications Systems (ACS) has recently partnered with the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad (KVRS) to provide MiFi Mobile Hotspot Technology for their mobile communication vehicle.

Early this year KVRS launched their SPOT emergency beckon loan program and according to Jerry Kiffer of KVRS this technology provided by ACS will allow rescue teams to monitor the location of the rescue beacons directly from the field. Kiffer reports this technology coupled with the SPOT beacons will literally take the search out of search and rescue.

The SPOT program slated to be in full operation in the spring of 2011 is made possible by the internet connectivity provided by ACS. This is an exciting project that will definitely save lives. It has been a real pleasure to work with the staff from ACS and are very proud to partner with a company who shows such a commitment to the safety of our community

The new equipment has arrived and the installation and testing should be completed next week. We look forward to utilizing the new capabilities provided by ACS; please stop by their office at 25 Jefferson Way, Suite 101 and let them know we appreciate their support of search and rescue.  

September 3, 2010 -   At 3:10 am yesterday, our office received a call from USCG Sector Juneau requesting assistance in locating a 121.5 ELT transmitting in the Ketchikan area. The USCG reported flight service was hearing the signal very strong just south of the airport.

At 3:35 am, the DF team started tracking the signal. The signal was heard in the Bar Harbor area and as far south as Mountain Point. The signal’s audio quality was good but the signal was very weak and the team had difficulty in determine the direction the signal was coming from. DF operations performed at several locations that seemed to indicate the signal might be originating from the Airport. At 6:40 am, the team located the signal on an aircraft parked on the ramp at the airport. The owners of the aircraft were contacted and they responded to secure the signal.

The number team deployments for ELT signals has fallen sharply this year after the February 2009 USCG decision to turn off the receivers on the SARSAT satellites that were listening for 121.5 emergency signals. We certainly do not feel the number of signal activations have been reduced, but with the satellites no longer listening, we fear the beckons are transmitting until their batteries go dead. This may result in an aircraft taking off with an ELT with a dead battery, and in case of a crash the ELT will then not operate.

We consider this a very serious safety concern for the general aviation community. If an aircraft crashes in a remote location the ELT will activate but we will have no way of knowing that the aircraft is down unless somebody happens to fly by close enough to receive the signal. The occupants of the aircraft will simply have to wait until they are reported overdue before a search will be started. Without a Lat/Long position from the ELT, rescue crews will be forced to start the search from the point of departure instead of flying directly to the scene.

The answer offered by USCG officials is to have all aircraft install the newer 406 mhz ELT’s but at this point we are unsure if anybody in Ketchikan has been able to acquire these units. In some cases at over $1,000.00, less installation the cost may contribute to the slow replacement of older units.

What can you do?  Check your ELT for operation before each flight, monitor 121.5 during your flight and report all signals to flight service or the USCG, file a flight plan or leave a flight plan with somebody you trust. We will not be able to search for you if nobody knows you are missing. 

Contact our office and pick up a SPOT locater beckon; we loan them out free of charge and will monitor them for an emergency activation. In case of an emergency, we will be receiving your position every ten minutes. Longer term loans are possible for extended trips and projects. Give us  a call at 225-9010

July 11, 2010  The Alaska State Troopers contacted the duty officer at 12:45 am reporting an

18 yr. old female, and a 14 yr old male, brother and sister had gone missing from Yes Bay Lodge.  The owner of Yes Bay had advised the kids were guests of the lodge, The family was on vacation from California and had arrived at the lodge around 5:00 pm the previous day. It was thought they may have taken a trail leading to nearby McDonald Lake.An aerial search of the area was started at 6:15 am, with ground teams and one canine team joining the search at 7:07 am. One helicopter and two fixed wing aircraft were used to support the 15 search personnel involved in the operation. The two were located on the west shoreline of McDonald Lake by a KVRS fixed wing aircraft at 10:39 am the two victims were sighted by 061 on the west shoreline of McDonald Lake. The aircraft was able to land and pick them up and return them to the lodge. They were wet and cold but not injured and in excellent spirits.

In a post incident interview, the victims reported they had walked up the trail to the cabin. Arriving  

before dark at the cabin they thought there must be more trail so started north along the lake, they thought the trail they were following had made a turn back toward the lodge so continued to follow what they described as a possible game trail. They walked until after dark and spent the night somewhere near the lake shore but not sure where. They got up after daylight and continued walking down the lake. They advised they heard the search aircraft and several times turned around and walked towards the sound of the aircraft but did not know which direction to go to get back to the lodge.

Jerry Kiffer, the on scene commander for KVRS credited the teen’s survival to keeping calm and attempting to make themselves as visible as possible. According to Kiffer the assistance received from the Yes Bay lodge and their staff was incredible. Kevin Hack, a long time owner of Yes Bay has always supported search and rescue and this operation was no exception. His staff searched until early hours of the morning, the lodge was made available for a remote base camp and their company aircraft was used to bring search crews from Ketchikan. “I can’t thank them enough for their participation, it made a huge difference in this operation” said Kiffer.

June 19, 2010   The Alaska State Troopers (AST) contacted the office at 1810 hrs. reporting a missing teenager in the Settlers Cove area. It was reported the teen had been in the park with his friends and may have taken one of the trails in the area. He had been missing since approximately 1400 hrs.  The team was enroute to the area when word from AST dispatch canceled the response, reporting the teen had returned and was in no distress. When asked if the team gets cancelled often, a KVRS spokesman advised, “Not often, but we appreciate AST making the call early” A successful search and rescue depends on careful investigation and planning, and if called in early our team has that needed time.

June 13, 2010  The last day of the 7 day long King Salmon Derby will end at 9:00 pm on June 13th. This community wide event is one of the largest annual fund raisers we have in Ketchikan. The event, sponsored by CHARR supports their scholarship program and this year over $90,000.00 in cash and prizes will be awarded at the awards ceremony, where one lucky fisherman will received a check for $10,000.00 for the top prize. For up to the minute derby results, log onto ketchikankingsalmonderby.com

June 11, 2010  A Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad (KVRS) unit reported a 121.5 signal in the Refuge Cove area. The KVRS Direction Finding (DF) Team was dispatched and after a short search the signal was located on board an aircraft in the Refuge Cove area. The aircraft was in no distress and the owner was contacted and responded the aircraft to secure the ELT. This was the third 121.5 activation in as many weeks. Jerry Kiffer of KVRS advises the recent rash of calls for the DF crew are normal and seem to go in cycles. KVRS has for years tracked ELT, EPIRB, and stuck microphone signals out of Ketchikan and would like to remind all owners of 121.5 emergency beacons that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is no longer monitoring the satellite system, that has for years been the primary notification for emergency services like KVRS. Kiffer warns that notification of non-406 beacons now rely on somebody hearing the signal on their radio. Without the satellite system reporting the signal, beacons will often time transmit until battery goes dead and the owner may not realize it, until the unit is needed in an emergency. This presents a very serious safety concern for all boat and aircraft owners. Please check your ELT or EPIRB before flight or leaving the dock, and all boat owners please remember the older 121.5 only units are now illegal to have on board or use in United States waters.

May 29, 2010  KVRS DF team was notified by the USCG at 0630 this morning of a 121.5 ELT being heard in the Metlacatla area. the team was deployed and at 0710 located the ELT in a local hanger in Ketchikan. The Cessna 185 had been brought in for scheduled maintenance and the ELT had been accidentally set off. The maintenance manager was notified of the situation and the ELT was secured.

May 29, 2010  The Ketchikan King Salmon Derby got underway at 0700 hrs. Saturday May 29th. The day finished at 2100 hrs. with 64 fish turned, on top of the leader board is Jessie Embree who weighted in a 39.3 pound King Salmon at the KVRS weight station at Mountain Point. This is one of the largest fundraiser KVRS participates in, and certainly one of the most enjoyable. For up to the minute derby results log onto ketchikankingsalmonderby.com

 

Communications Van drives into retirement:  On May 8, 2010 the communications van that has served the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad (KVRS) as a communication and command vehicle for the last 30 years has been retired, and has been replaced with a new vehicle.  Jerry Kiffer of KVRS advises the vehicle built by KVRS and the local Ham Radio Club was the first of its kind in Ketchikan, and has served the community well.  Kiffer reported the new vehicle has more room and has updated computer aided dispatch, GPS navigation and search management systems, Kiffer reported the new vehicle retains its top notch all band local and worldwide communication capability, and will soon have satellite data link capabilities. Kiffer advised the old vehicle was taken out of service two years ago and while not destined for the junkyard, it was still hard to see it drive off. 

Search and Rescue/Outdoor Enthusiast Training: Southeast Region EMS Council has partnered with Sitka Mountain Rescue to offer a Search and Rescue Track at the 25th Anniversary EMS Symposium April 16-18, 2009 in Sitka. The scheduled offerings are ideal for current Search and Rescue team members, individuals interested in joining a SAR team, or the Alaska outdoor enthusiast.

An eight hour Technical Rescue and Rappelling Workshop will be conducted April 16. Additional offerings include Wilderness Wound Care, SAR Technology, Avalanche Overview, K-9 Use in SAR and more April 17. On Saturday, April 18, Sitka Mountain Rescue and the USCG will direct participants in a mock Search and Rescue drill with avalanche, packaging, radio communication, and CG helicopter hoist scenarios. For more information or to register for these events, visit the SEREMS website at www.serems.org or contact the SEREMS office (907) 747-8005.

June 16, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska: Representative Kevin Meyer, R-Anchorage, today announced that HB 320 has been signed into law. House Bill (HB) 320 treats search and rescue volunteers assisting the Alaska State Troopers in a mission as state employees for the purpose of providing workers compensation. While the State of Alaska provides workers compensation to many different types of volunteers, the brave men and women assisting the Troopers in search and rescue missions have not been covered.

“Ours is a large and imposing state, and we depend on volunteer search and rescue workers to ensure that lives are saved and people are returned to their friends and families,” said Meyer. “Providing this coverage is fair, and the least we can do for volunteers who take the time to save others.”

A Heart-Felt Thanks (letter):

April 01, 2008
Tuesday

On Sunday March 23, around dinner time, a young girl went missing in the woods behind Bear Valley. This area leads to mile after mile of dense dark forested land. She had played behind the house for years, without ever a problem. Not this night. After looking and calling for her to no avail, her dad called the State Troopers and Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad. When I came upon the scene, it was scary. A great deal of people had gathered, walkie talkies and flashlights in hand. Search dog ready to roll. They were all gathered around the KVRS mobile unit. It's a large panel type van, filled with computers, gps systems and more. On top of this van is mounted two large poles with bright bright lights on top. People were searching under cars, between houses, before getting their search instructions and heading off into the woods. Every minute seemed so long. After several hours, YEAH!! she was found, safe and sound, although cold and scared she put up a brave front.

She was crouched alone in the dark, till the search dog ran up and found her. What a great job this team did!! They put aside their home lives, took off their pj's and donned warm clothes and went into the woods to look for a child they didn't know. I have read stories of what they do, but until it was unfolding in front of my eyes, I have failed to realize how great they are and what an unselfish thing they do every time their phones ring. A little girl was brought home, a dad's worst fears were calmed thanks to these people and their super 4-legged nose.

KVRS deserves every bit of support we can give them. And to all of you, I and everyone there that evening, say THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

Melissa Ausman
Ketchikan, AK

After Action Review: There will be an after action review to discuss the four searches conducted last week, The Troopers have asked to participate and have agreed to send somebody. Scott will also be there to update contact information. Meeting will be held Thursday night, April 2nd, at 1800 @ North Tongass Station 6.

KVRS Board Meeting: A board meeting is scheduled for 1800 March 19, 2008 at Station 6.

House Bill 320: HB 320 has passed through the House and is now in the Alaska Senate. If you do not know already, HB 320 will give SAR personnel state workers comp coverage by statute when performing SAR activities for the state. Those who put their own safety on the line should appreciate the extra coverage being offered to us and our families.
 
Please send a "letter to the editor" to your local newspaper or contact your state senator and let them know this bill is important to their constituents. With our help, there is a better chance HB 320 will be added to the Senate agenda for this fiscal year.

Take a look at the history of HB 320:  

http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20320&session=25

Rescue 26 Enters Service: Boat crews have completed sea trails and have approved for operation the newest KVRS maritime asset. The 26’ Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) was placed in service last week and stands ready for duty. The vessel is located in stall 4 float 16 at Bar Harbor. The vessel is tasked with emergency response, SAR support, aircraft response, general search and rescue duties and towing operations.

Many thanks go out to those volunteers who spent the last month outfitting and installing equipment. As always we appreciate Steve Shrum for provided equipment, supplies, and expertise when needed. Thank you to North Tongass
Fire Department and fire Chief Dave Hull for allowing work crews in their building and putting up with our mess.

We hope Rescue 26 will never have to be used for the reason it was purchased but we take comfort in the knowledge when the need arises crews will be provided with a state of the art platform to respond with.

ETT Class: An Emergency Trauma Technician Class is scheduled for October 15 – 27, it will be open to all KVRS members and all members are encouraged to attend. The class will be held at Station 6, contact the office for a full schedule.

Deer Mountain Cabin Replacement: We have received word form the RAC committee that our proposal for the replacement of the Deer Mountain Cabin will indeed receive full funding for 2008 and in fact has been placed on the top of the funding list for 2008. Many thanks to Eric Able for his persistence in pushing the project through. We will be needing work parties and helicopter support starting in May 2008; the project is scheduled to take a couple of months.

Work Progressing on the New Communication Van: Work is still ongoing with the cabinets and radio installations nearly
complete, work parties are scheduled for Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, lots of work left so stop by to see the progress, you may get put to work!

June 20, 2007, At long last Rescue 26 makes its Maiden Voyage: The president of Aluminum Chambered Boats (ACB), the district manager for Suzuki Outboards, Mayor Williams, Borough Manager Roy Eckert, other Borough officials, and community members were on hand to help launch Ketchikan’s the newest search and rescue asset.
 
The Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad (KVRS) officially took delivery of the 26 foot ACB Rescue Boat (Rescue 26) on June 19th in Ketchikan. The crew from ACB trailered the boat from their factory in Bellingham Washington and launched the boat at Bar Harbor.
 
Jerry Kiffer with KVRS accepted the keys and conducted the acceptance voyage, “the boat certainly meets specifications” he said as they pulled back to the dock. Kiffer in an interview after the launching praised the handling of the new boat, “the best handling boat I have ever operated!” Kiffer indicated the vessel would replace their aging 22 foot rescue boat currently in operation. According to Kiffer the purchase was made possible primarily by a Homeland Security grant, but said Suzuki came on board with a discounted engine package, and the rest of the funding came from KVRS and local donations.
 
“The boat will enter service soon, said Kiffer it will be scheduled next week to return to our shop for bottom paint, search lights, towing gear, and other navigation and radio equipment”    
 
“The Borough was very supportive of the project. Borough planner Johnathan Lappin worked very hard on the requirements Homeland Security needed for passing the grant through to KVRS, It has been a long project but are very pleased with the outcome”

First Under Way	Rescue 26

June 1, 2007: Work is progressing on the new communications van, the long hours put in by all is starting to show results. The 1976 International that has served us so well will be soon giving up its duties to the new 2006 Freightliner. The "Comm Van" as we affectionately call it; has for almost 30 years responded to search and rescue calls and other community emergencies, while the radio package has been updated many times over the years the vehicle has reached the end of its service life. Donations and grant funding has allowed for its replacement, shown here the two vehicles represent the past and future of community emergency communications. The new vehicle will bring new technology to the already capable worldwide communications package, computer mapping and GPS tracking systems utilizing smart board technology, satellite phone, internet, and VOIP phone capability will be added, a larger command center, and upgraded computer capabilities as well as automatic light and antenna towers, leveling jacks, and onboard 20 kw generator will greatly reduce the work load necessary to operate the vehicle. As always the Comm Van will stand ready for deployment to any emergency in Ketchikan or Southeast Alaska, and will provide any organization with a stand alone communications package complete with portable radio cache, short and long range communications on all bands, simultaneous communications on multi bands, remote telephone and worldwide HF communications. The vehicle will be manned by members of our communications unit, lead by a trained incident commander. Look for more news on its development, the van will be placed in service this summer with a community open house planned at a later date.

Behold, the new "Comm Van."

June 1, 2007: Rescue 26 has successfully completed her sea trials and after Suzuki technicians examine the engine for final delivery it will be ready to ship. The anticipated ship date is June 9th Thanks to Terry we now have a trailer to use to bring it to the station for installation of the electronics. Boat crew training will start the week of June 25th All Rescue 22 skippers and deckhands will need familiarization training prior to operation, contact Chris for a schedule.

April 1st, 2007: At 1349 AST contacted the duty officer reporting that a hiker had fallen off a cliff on the trail between Deer Mountain and the Blue Lake Shelter. AST was able to maintain intermitted cell phone contact with the victim but little information was immediately available concerning the victim or his exact location.
 
It was reported the victim had fell when the cornice he was walking on gave way. The mountain rescue team was contacted and as they were assembling at Temsco when at 1424 KVRS received a call from persons on scene who reported the victim was uninjured and had managed to climb back to the top of the cliff. The caller advised her party would assist the victim down the mountain.
 
Apparently the hiker had been walking to close to the edge of an overhanging cornice when a 15 - 20 section gave way and he fell approximately 50 feet, he was not injured in the call and was able to climb back to the top of the cliff and was able to hike out arriving at the trailhead at 1730.

March 17th, 2007: ARRIVAL NOTICE!  The long awaited communication van has arrived in Ketchikan. Some assembly will be required! contact Jerry Kiffer for information and work party schedule and assignments. The van is scheduled to be in service on Memorial Day weekend so volunteers will be needed to complete the refit.

March 08, 2007: KVRS supports the replacement of the Deer Mountain Cabin.
 
A shelter has been available on Deer Mountain since the 1930’s and the current structure built in 1960’s is well past its usable live span.

At a public meeting of the Ketchikan Resource Advisory Committee KVRS representative Jerry Kiffer spoke in favor of a Title II Project Application requesting federal funding for the replacement of the cabin. Mr. Kiffer spoke in favor of its location and benefits explaining the shelter is one of the most utilized local recreational locations not connected to the road system. “Too often we think of the shelters and cabins currently maintained by the Forest Service as recreational destinations, however they also serve as places of refuge in case of emergency, lives have been saved by a well placed cabin.”
 
The committee explained future federal funding was in question as the law allowing states access to the timber receipts funding program is now out of date and may not be reinstated. The project was discussed by the committee who agreed to give it a top priority and to accept a formal project application when they were again authorized and funded.
 
March 11, 2007: The new communication van has been delivered to the Alaska Marine Lines yard in Seattle Washington
 
Kevin O'Connell traveled to Puyallup and picked up the van from a fabrication shop contracted to install some needed equipment. The van is scheduled for the next barge that has space available. AML has offered a greatly discounted price for the shipping. The van purchased in 2006 will be used to replace our existing unit built in 1976, upon arrival in Ketchikan all hands will be needed to complete installation of the generator, light and antenna towers and radio equipment.  

January 28th, 2007 (Seattle): KVRS mourns the loss of an icon in the search and rescue field.
 
We were notified this weekend that longtime member Kenny Eichner passed away in Seattle, Washington Friday afternoon. Few details are available at this time; however he had been flown to Seattle from his winter home in Hawaii to undergo an undisclosed medical procedure.
 
The loss of a founding member comes as a shock to us all. Over the years Kenny has dedicated thousand of hours providing life saving services either from the pilot’s seat or directing search and rescue operations from his base of operations at TEMSCO helicopters (a company Kenny owned and operated for many years). Numerous lives have been saved by his dedication to search and rescue and our community.
 
We reflect with heavy hearts on a person who embodied the neighbor helping neighbor attitude that is the foundation of our organization. Few people have had such a profound effect on search and rescue as Kenny Eichner. We consider ourselves very honored to have known Kenny and will proudly continue his legacy, as stewards of an organization Kenny helped to establish one winter back in 1948.
 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family as we observe the passing of one of Alaska’s greatest pioneers.

January 11th, 2007 (Ketchikan): At 1718 the duty officer received a call from AST requesting assistance in locating an 18 yr. old male that had gone missing, the boy was thought to be in the Carlanna Lake Area.
 
A hasty team and canine unit was dispatched to meet with the on scene trooper. The team arrived at 1812. As little was known about the boy or his state of mind the team was instructed to stand by until they could be briefed by a trooper.
 
At 1847 the troopers advised they had been in contact with a friend of the boy that reported he had picked him up around 1817. Physical contact with the boy was not secured however the troopers advised we could stand down pending further information.

November 29, 2006: Alpine Rescue Skills Test

Five members of the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad Mountain Rescue Team braved sub-freezing temperatures last weekend to hone their alpine rescue skills.

Team members Mike Belfry, Angela Coleman, Joe Frost, Brian Linville, and team leader John Robichaud strapped on crampons and snow shoes to haul 45-50lb packs up Deer Mountain to train for alpine rescues.

Training at it's best...	Rappeling drills
The end of the day.	Securing the line.

“I wanted to take advantage of these weather conditions to show the team what a winter rescue may look like” said Robichaud. “We don’t want to wait for a real rescue to practice our skills.” Robichaud led the team through a series of winter rescue skills to include self arrest with an ice ax, avalanche awareness, beacon searches, setting snow anchors using an ice ax and snow bollards (a mound of snow than when constructed properly is strong enough to hold the weight of more than one person on a rope).

Four team members endured sub zero nighttime temps at the Deer Mountain cabin before descending on Sunday morning. “I’m pleased with how the training went” said Robichaud, “We definitely added a few more tools to our toolbox this weekend.”

“This was incredibly valuable training” Frost said. “Before this weekend, I never would have thought I would ever feel comfortable repelling on a rope that was connected to nothing but snow.” The team generally meets one day a week in the evening. Persons interested in joining or donating climbing gear should contact John Robichaud at 225-4895.

November 11, 2006: ASARA Dues

Alaska Search and Rescue Association (ASARA) dues are due the first of the year. The cost is $25.00 per year. They offer great training, the tracking class was a great example of the kind of training that is available though ASARA.

In 2007 we are looking forward to classes like Tracking II, Managing the Search Operation (MSO), Learn to Return, Rigging for Rescue and others, so lets get as many folks as possible signed up. Most of these classes would cost between $300 - $600 per person but are free to ASARA members!

Drop your checks off to me as soon as possible I would like to get them in by the 15th of December. If you are not already a member let me know and I will email you an application.

October 23rd, 2006: Orton Ranch Youth Retreat

Kathy and Carol recently traveled to Orton Ranch at the request of Ketchikan Indian Community to participate in their annual youth retreat. Survival skills were taught and SAR dog demo’s were conducted. The weather was great and the kids had a great time!

September 27th, 2006: Deer Mountain, Overdue Hiker

At 0800 this morning AST contact the office requesting assistance in locating a 50 yr. old male who was reported overdue on a hike from Silvis Lake to the Deer Mountain Trail head.

The reporting source advised he was prepared for an overnight stay if necessary and was a member of the Appalation Trail Association and had a lot of trail experience. He was new to Ketchikan but had hiked in the area before and had a map and compass with him.

His reported route included two trail systems with some areas of moderate difficulty. The trail in the area of Northbird Peak would be very difficult to stay on after dark and in the foggy conditions of early morning.  This is a popular hike in the Ketchikan area but as a rule it is not a day hike. A search plan was put together and teams stood by to helicopter into the two primary search areas of Blue Lake and Deer Mountain Saddle. The planning team had used historical data and weather mapping software to estimate his ETA at the Deer Mountain Trailhead of 1200, so was decided to delay 3 hours to give him a chance to walk out.

A trail watch was established with instructions to request all trail users to be on the lookout for the subject. At 1115 we received word via cell phone from two hunters that they had contacted the subject, he was about 30 minutes up the trail, uninjured, and moving well.  The subject had underestimated the difficulty of the walk and had to stop for the night before continuing this morning. He arrived safely and was taken home by friends.   

The End of an Era...
Gildersleeve logging, once a leader in the industry maintains its dedication to safety with the donation of medical equipment and supplies. Gildersleeve logging started operation in the early 1950’s and operated in over 20 locations on Prince of Whales Island, finishing logging operations at Grace Harbor.

Keaton Gildersheeve during a recent visit to Ketchikan contacted KVRS and offered to donate all the medical equipment and supplies remaining at his Tolstoi camp. On the 19th a KVRS crew visited the camp and retrieved the equipment and supplies. When the inventory is complete Gildersleeve Logging will receive a letter of donation that they can use on their taxes.

While Gildersleeve Logging no longer operates in Alaska it is a comfort to know their neighbor helping neighbor spirit is still alive and well, many thanks go to the Gildersleeve family we appreciate the donation and will make good use of the equipment.

ASARA Board Meeting
The executive board for ASARA met August 18th, KVRS and Southeast was represented via teleconference. The meeting went well with the majority of the time spent on training issues and scheduling of classes. KVRS is working on submitting training requests for Helicopter escape and survival, Managing Search Operations (MSO), and rope rescue classes.  Please remember ASARA dues need to be in by January 30, all ASARA sponsored training is free to ASARA members.

Mountain Rescue Team has another New Captain?
Mike Belfry after a short return to the mountain rescue team has once again found himself working out of town. John Robichoud has stepped up to take over for Mike. Mike will continue with the team and participate in training and rescues when available. Please congratulate John when you see him and we wish Mike a quick return to a more local job!

Construction Going Well
KVRS has under construction a new command and communications vehicle. Built on a 2005 Freightliner chassis the vehicle has been delivered to The Fab Shop in Seattle Washington where a 20 kw generator, 9000 watt light tower, water tank, and vehicle stabilization system is being installed. The project expected to cost $93,000 will replace our current unit built in 1973, it is scheduled to be completed in March 2006.



Board of Directors Discuss Membership
KVRS board of directors are discussing membership in the newly formed Alaska Search and Rescue Association (ASARA) The non-profit group has been formed to provide search and rescue training to teams within Alaska. Memberships are available for $25.00 per year, contact the office for more information.

The Mountain Rescue Team has a New Captain
We are pleased to announce Mike Belfry has returned to active duty and will be taking over the team. Mike will be working with the training schedule and expect a heavy emphasis on mountaineering and rescue. Anybody interested please contact the office.

New Rescue Boat Purchase Planned
KVRS is in negotiations for the purchase of a new 24' fast rescue vessel, built by Aluminum Chambered Boats (ACB). The vessel will replace Rescue 22 as the primary fast response vessel. More on this project will be announced next month.

USCG Auxilary
Working with the USCG Auxilary may soon become a reality as recent meetings with Auxiliary Commanders have resulted in a draft MOU between our two organizations. KVRS crews may soon be manning USCG billets as KVRS members apply for membership in the Auxiliary. "We have always worked very closely with Station Ketchikan and are excited to become more active in Coast Guard operations" said Jerry Kiffer in a recent interview.  KVRS will be offering as a "facility" the 41' patrol boat, Rescue 41, and Rescue 24 when we take delivery later in 2006, said Kiffer. As an added benefit KVRS Auxiliary members will receive certain USCG benefits for their service.