Butte County Search and Rescue turns 60
The Butte County Search and Rescue organization celebrated its 60th anniversary at the Chico Elks Lodge on Sunday afternoon.
The organization, which was founded In 1961 when a threeyear-old girl got lost in Cohasset, put all of their rescue equipment on display for residents to see.
“Our team has been evolving and expanding ever since,” Dan Newman of Butte County Search and Rescue said. “Today is really a showcase to the public of what we can do and some of our capabilities.”
He added that one of the bigger messages was that the BCSAR is an all-volunteer organization.
After Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea spoke at noon, attendees got to see a short demonstration of the team’s Helicopter Rescue capability.
The helicopter flew from the Elks Lodge Little League field and picked up a search and rescue dog and its handler near the Lodge and flew back to the field.
From there the dog and its handler found an injured man on top of the first base dugout A medical team was then flown to the dugout where they
extracted the man and returned him to the outfield and safety.
The afternoon also included special programs for the kids like coloring tables, tours of the equipment like its helicopter and the Enloe Flightcare that were on display.
Newman said they also had activities from all of the different disciplines, water, road and air rescues for kids to take part in.
“We got our motorized equipment, we have our snowcats, snowmobiles,” Newman said. “Really just to show the public that we have to traverse in different terrains and climates.”
Also on display was a brand new SJX 2170 Tunnel Hull jet boat designed for extreme low water rescue operations.
“We respond to floods and water rescues,” he said adding that all-terrain vehicles were on display that they use to rescue stranded people.
Lunch was also served at the Elks Club BBQ area, including hamburgers and hotdogs.
Search and Rescue member Chris Milnes said that it was a good way to give back to the community that has supported the organization
“We had a really good turnout,”: he said. “We got more than we did when did this 10 years ago.’