BSAR A GREAT SUCCESS!

Cummings teaches man tracking.

While others were getting an early start on green beer and leprechaun spotting, 80 people gathered together to begin the training process for Red Rock Search and Rescue. This was a day that the staff of RRSAR has been working diligently for and it did not disappoint.

Members were treated to lectures on FEMA, Basic Compass, Man Tracking, Communications, Medical Basics and more. Travis Spaulding treated the group to his gear junkie bag so that everyone could see what a 24 hour bag looked like. Later he was asked and accepted the roll of Equipment manager. Skip Kelley will be assisting Karen Whelan with PR along with Christina Kruez-Zilla.

The group was honored to have Darrell Kirk and his wife in attendance, just a day after the wonderful memorial for Ron Kirk held out at Red Springs. Darrell thanked the group and his presence clearly reminded each and every one of us what inspired this group to form, as well as the fundamental ways in which Ron going missing changed so many of the members at their core.

Students listen intently.

As the first individuals began trickling in and obtaining their radio call numbers, it was apparent that this group will be formidable in what they will offer the Las Vegas community and beyond. David Cummings gave an overview of the impact RRSAR has already had in just a short month since the first meeting back at REI. Most of the people in the room had not attended that meeting and signed on after that event. Facebook, news reports airing over NBC and word of mouth has played a huge roll in people hearing and responding to becoming part of this group. Today's group represents about half of those who have filled out applications and signed up to be ready to find the missing in and around the area.

Darrell Kirk spoke about Ron and the Kirk family's appreciation for what RRSAR is doing. He committed to helping the group with gear acquisition to the extent that he can through his wealth of contacts in the outdoor gear world.

Darrel Kirk speaks with staff.

This fledgling organization has made great strides in its inception. It is amazing what has come together in such a short time. It is even more amazing that so many people have responded to the call to come out and prepare so that those who go missing will have the hope of a dedicated group to continue searching when they are not found immediately. 

If you want to become a part of this group, go to www.redrocksar.com and fill out an application.

RRSAR NEWS

RON KIRK FOUND

As Red Rock Search and Rescue prepares for its first BSAR Training, lots is going on both behind the scenes and right out in the open. First and Foremost, Ron Kirk was found in the area of Turtle Head on Saturday, March 9, 2012. Everyone paused with breath held as the news began to go around of his discovery by a weekend hiker. Finally, Darrel Kirk, Ron's brother, posted that indeed, it was Ron. This brings to end many of the questions and pain of wondering for his family and friends. But the grief begins in earnest. All of us at Red Rock Search and Rescue extend our thoughts and prayers to the Kirk family and to all of those who called him family or friend.

FIRST BSAR TRAINING

The first training for members will take place Saturday March 17, 2012. This is where it begins and all members will take this training over time. Those who seek further certification and participation on specialized teams will get additional training. The staff is busy getting these trainings planned, and venues secured. Not an easy task with over 160 people having signed up to be part of this organization. 

RRSAR GETS A MASCOT!

Member Rick Smith is handler and owner of our new Mascot Gracie! Gracie arrived in Las Vegas this past weekend and quickly began her training to BE the mascot! She passed her physical and quickly began her rope work. It is reported that she enjoys naps, tracking and eating. She has captured the hearts of all the members and RRSAR and GRACIE will grow together.

  

KNOT PRACTICE

Many of the folks getting ready for the upcoming training gathered Sunday for the purpose of learning and practicing knots. Member Eric Dar was on hand to instruct while Travis Spaulding brought his 24 hour pack so people could get a look at what to have at the ready for call outs. It is clear that everyone is excited to get underway and willing to get out and get started!

Busy Weekend of Sign-ups!

Posted on February 26, 2012

Sign up at www.redrocksar.com

In the aftermath of the first meeting recruiting members to Red Rock Search and Rescue, over 46 new members have already singed up through the website! This blog has had over 130 hits and twitter is up and running. Follow us @RedRockSAR. Our training team is meeting to plan training sessions and our first training will be March 17, 2012 at Red Springs Park in Calico Basin. 8:00 in the morning. It will be a full day of training.  We have had incredible interest in this SAR and it bodes well for us as a group. Dedication to making sure we provide appropriate training and also manning all levels of skills and abilities will position us to be nimble, versatile and effective.
There is not one person who wants to help that we will not be able to find a job for. Ground Pounders, Base workers…..all the way up to the “A” team of technical searchers. We will work with peoples schedules. This is all volunteer and our families and jobs come first. We are in the midst of team building right now so get in on the ground floor and help us build a vital and dynamic Search and rescue group that the community can depend on!

First Meeting of the Red Rock Search and Rescue

Posted on February 25, 2012

Tonight was the first official meeting of Red Rock Search and Rescue. It was held at the meeting room at the Boca Park REI and was split in to two sessions to accommodate the over 55 people in attendance. Commander David Cummings introduced the crowd to the reason for the existence of the group and what he hoped the organization could contribute to the community.
Important to Cummings was that the attendees understood that the group was born out of the recent search efforts to find missing hiker Ron Kirk. An intense search to find Kirk was conducted by Metro SAR, but after no signs of the missing hiker an with constraints on resources, the search was brought to an end. But local hikers and outdoor enthusiasts were not ready to quit.
Hundreds if volunteers, organized by Cummings and Vice Commander Dana Richardson gave birth to the idea that there could be a support SAR that would be all volunteer and highly trained to assist law enforcement in search efforts in Clark County. All that lead to tonight’s meeting.
Attendees learned about what Cummings referred to as The Good the Bad and the Ugly of SAR. They were also informed of the multiple levels of volunteers the group aspires to attract. They already have highly trained staff members on their Admin panel consisting of Metro trained Richardson, communications specialist, accountant, PIO, a paramedic as the Medical Officer, and a FEMA trained and SAR qualified trainer as well.
This group will also have a technical rescue team lead by Richardson known as the A team. All members will obtain certifications in order to be as qualified and prepared to conduct searches in a variety of conditions.
Anyone who wants to be a part of this effort will be accepted. There will be work to do for persons of all levels and will utilize their skills accordingly. Go to the RED ROCK SEARCH AND RESCUE page for more information and to sign up to be a part of this great cause in Clark County.