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Verde Search and Rescue Posse Gears Up for Daring Rescues

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Verde Search and Rescue Posse preps for rescues

The Verde Search and Rescue Posse (VSAR), an auxiliary unit of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, convened its first meeting of 2024 on January 13. The gathering took place at Sedona Fire District Station 3 and focused on reviewing the posse’s statistics for the past year.

Founded in 1986, VSAR assists YCSO with search and rescue operations and evidence searches at crime scenes. The posse employs various resources, including 4×4 vehicles, drones, mountain bikes, and horseback teams, to effectively respond to emergencies.

In 2024, VSAR managed to respond to 83 calls, mirroring the numbers from the last three years, though down from a peak of 106 in 2020. The annual call volume has notably increased since 2010 when just 38 calls were recorded. Of the 83 calls this year, nine were cancelled as the missing individuals were located, necessitating search efforts for 74 cases.

The volunteer team successfully rescued 70 individuals, recovered the remains of five, and conducted eight evidence searches along with one fire evacuation. The deployment of K-9 units and 4×4 vehicles occurred in 22 instances, while technical ropes were utilized in 16 cases. Additionally, horse-mounted and mountain bike teams assisted in four responses each, and drones aided in scouting locations on six occasions.

“There are currently 40 members on the roster, with 36 deployable for hiking, which constitutes 90% of our operations,” stated VSAR Captain Dondi West.

This past year, the posse responded to eight emergencies at Devil’s Bridge and the Dry Creek trailhead. Other significant response locations included West Clear Creek, Boynton Canyon, and Black Canyon City, each with three incidents. Several other areas saw two responses, including the Mescal trailhead and Bell Rock.

West noted that “Dry Creek Trailhead is the most frequent location following dark hours. Roughly one-third of our missions occur at night.” Many visitors draw to Sedona for picturesque sunsets but often fail to prepare for the darkness that follows.

West acknowledged the efforts of the Friends of the Forest in redirecting hikers at trailheads, contributing to a reduction in posse callouts.

As a volunteer organization, the members are certified and operate without charge, relying on public contributions to fund equipment and training. The VSAR has requested $57,694 in funding through the Arizona Community Foundation Northern Arizona Giving Guide.

Since their last meeting in November, treasurer Tim Anderson reported nearly $20,000 in grants and $1,180 in donations had been received. Grants included $8,946 from ACF, $10,000 from Arizona State Parks and Trails, and $500 each from Wells Fargo and Edward Jones. Cindy De Sa Valente received the 2024 Ironman/Woman Award for her remarkable response of 48 callouts, in addition to her technical ropes team participation.

The leading responders, following Valente, were Si Silva and Don Morgan with 44 calls each, Cree Horner with 43, and Jennifer Brehler with 42. Rounding out the list were Dondi West (36), Bernie Hajek (33), Tim Anderson (30), and Darrell Earnshaw (28).

The next meeting is scheduled for January 18 at Sedona Red Rock High School. Captain West emphasized the importance of these assemblies: “To truly understand VSAR, attendance at these meetings is crucial for newcomers.” New members are required to attend two meetings and complete a two-mile orientation hike with a 25-pound pack.

Regular VSAR meetings take place monthly from January through November on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at SFD Station 3, located at 125 Slide Rock Road in the Village of Oak Creek.

For further information, interested individuals can contact VSAR at verdesarposse@gmail.com or call (928) 771-3281.