KVRS News

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.”
 
HB 320 will take effect in 90 days.  In an interview with Jerry Kiffer of the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad in Ketchikan KVRS he reports that HB 320 is the best search and rescue legislation to come out of Juneau in over 20 years; “while the workers compensations coverage is important, the real benefit 320 offers is the addition of medical coverage for training operations” said Kiffer. Kiffer reported that thousands of hours have been spent training throughout the state with no state insurance protection in case of injury.  

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.