SAR Coordinates - June 2002

SAR COORDINATES
June 2002
TONTO RIM SEARCH AND RESCUE SQUAD
P.O. BOX 357
STRAWBERRY AZ 85544

A self-supporting not-for-profit group of volunteer citizens
dedicated to improving safety in the Arizona wilderness.

Operating under the authority of the Gila County Sheriff's Office
John Armer; Sheriff

Commander's Corner

June is almost here which means the year is nearly half gone. I'd like someone to explain to me why it is that the older I become, the faster time passes. At this rate, I don't want even to blink for fear that an important event will pass me by.

As you all know, due to the dry conditions, the Forests are closed. This means that both missions and training will be curtailed. It also means that raffle ticket sales could be slower due to less traffic at the craft fairs and other events where we set up for sales. That makes it most imperative that each member get out and sell tickets independently.

I would like to personally thank the members for the excellent turnout at the recent training exercises and particularly at the Rodeo parade. The increased participation shows that you care about the Squad and the community that we serve! Remember, that while we are volunteers, we are professional, trained volunteers which sets us apart from the general public. This fact assures Emergency Services that we can do what is required when it is needed.

I will be out of service the last two weeks of June in order to visit family and various other Jack-Pine Savages in Michigan (where the state bird is still the mosquito). I'll leave the SAR affairs during this period in the capable hands of the other officers.

Jim, TR4

Don't forget; the meetings this month are June 11th for the Board
And June 13th for the General Meeting

Leaders and Legends in SAR
Jane Boyles

BOB KALNA
Metro Assist Posse
Maricopa County Sheriff's Department

When I first got involved in Search and Rescue in Arizona, I was introduced to Bob Kalna. Now Bob had never met a stranger. He was friendly as a pup and ever so knowledgeable about command post operation.

Bob drove the motor home to the searches and trainings, handled the sign in, distributed the radios and ran the copier. The copier was a feat in itself as it had to be carried out to be put on the bed in the motor home for its' ride to the scene. Being a temperamental copier as they all can be, he had the tricks necessary to get it running. You see, Bob had a slight handicap - he had been injured in the war and had an artificial leg. That is World War II. So he was no spring chicken. But he was organized. He knew how to get the water, ice, coffee and food from the jail, knew where everything was in the precincts and was quite a scrounger. Coffee was perking as soon as the motor shut off, table went up and sign in sheets were out. He was in business. Bob worked at one of the district precincts each week, running errands for the staff, taking the patrol cars for servicing. I think he knew everyone in the department.

Bob and I did a lot of Emergency Preparedness drills for the Palo Verde Nuclear power plant. He was retired and I worked nights so daytime was volunteer time. We were THE TEAM.

At Christmas time we patrolled the parking lots of the malls. On one of our famous mall patrols we were given a patrol Blazer that said "Canine Unit" on the side. It had an antenna on top. That was it. The blazer had been stripped of everything. Thank goodness for the dark tinted windows. The only thing we had going for us on patrol was the emblem on the door. When the portable radio went dead, we gave up. Metro Assist still consists of a great bunch of men and women. Some were arms certified, including Bob. Metro's Commander is a search coordinator so Metro got called for everything. Bob was great at selling the famous pink underwear. He would set up a table in the mall and rake in the bucks. That was part of the Posse's fundraising.

Bob Kalna has a big heart made of pure gold. His first concern was always of those around him. He made the long hours, under sometimes harsh conditions, bearable and never complained. Surely, we couldn't complain either.

Database

Beginning in June, we will be making two databases available to anyTRSAR member who wants them and who has a Windows PC.

The main SAR database includes member information; all missions, trainings, meetings, etc. since 1-Jan-1998; standard squad reports; and reference materials. You will be able to prepare debrief forms, print current rosters, look at GCSO information, and check various other squad documents including Policies and Procedures and By-Laws. A password will be required to use this system (for protection of your medical data).

The second database will be the mapping and location finding database. You will be able to quickly find road junctions (example: FR 74 from Control Road), training locations (example: Old Rye Bridge), campgrounds, trailheads, and other location using keyword selection. The map displays will use the Tonto National Forest map and also geological survey maps from the Topo! Product (this is what the officers have on the laptop at missions). No password will be required to use this system. Copies of the mapping system may be installed at GCSO dispatch.

Both of these systems will be growing each month. New information will be sent to all users via Email a few days after each month's general meeting.

The databases will be available for your investigation immediately after the June general meeting. You will be able to decide if you want either of the systems installed on your PC.

Les Hulse TR27

First Class Member

TR14 Kathleen Bagley has shown time and again her dedication to TRSAR as well as her expertise at people skills. As Public Relations Officer she has developed a rapport with the news media that had been in some neglect. She has also done much to promote our name and mission throughout our community. This lady obviously takes her job and responsibility serious. Let's all give a big hand to Kathleen, a FIRST-CLASS member.

Member Profiles

Mike Lorka, TR59

Mike was born in Buffalo New York, March 22, 1943. This is where he lived until 1964. Mike started working for Western Electric 1962. Shortly after starting at Western Electric he married his wife Pat. Then they moved to Cheektowaga NY where he worked at Western Electric until they closed the plant in 1976. They offered Mike a job at the plant in Omaha Neb. which he accepted. They stayed in Omaha until 1981and then transferred to Phoenix for Western Electric but the company is now called AT&T.

Mike and Pat have three kids; Alisa, Holly and Michael III. Mike retired in 1996 and moved to Payson. After he started attending the Gym here in Payson, Mike met Swede Carlson and started learning about Search and Rescue. Mike joined SAR in March of 1999. Swede Carlson also spoke to Mike about working part time as a Deputy at the Sheriffs offices working in Detention. Mike started working there in January of 2001. This job soon started taking more and more of his time and for a while was a Full-Time job. Now Mike is working part time again and hopes to again become more active in SAR.

Mike enjoys Fishing, Hunting, Hiking and SAR.

Ed Bures, TR33

Ed was born Oct. 10th 1935 in Chicago. He grew up in the Westside and met his wonderful wife Teresa in 1952 through a mutual friend. They were married in 1955. They left Chicago for Westmont to get out of the inner city. Ed went to work for Western Electric in 1970 as a Machinist and stayed at the same plant until it closed in 1984 but was offered another job in Phoenix with AT&T. Ed retired from AT&T in 1996 and moved to Payson to get away from the heat.

Ed and Teresa have three kids Eddy, Ellen and Jerry.

Ed enjoys Hunting, Fishing and Camping. He also has a quad that he likes to use for hunting and SAR.

Ed Bures and Mike Lorka worked together at AT&T in Phoenix. Their families are very good friends and still enjoy good times together.

FOR SALE
1992 Jeep
Perfect SAR vehicle
Contact Jim Matych, 474-3159

TRSAR Participation Requirements

When each of us joined TRSAR, we received a copy of our By-laws & Policies & Procedures which provides the guidelines & rules of our Squad. Your Board of Directors revised the Policies & Procedures in November, 2001 which took effect on January 1, 2002. The revised P & P were distributed to our
members at our General Meetings in November & December, 2001.If you have not received or have misplaced your copy, let one of the Board Members know & we will see that you receive one.

At our May General Meeting, our Commander, Jim Martin, read a number of letters & e-mails received from some of our members requesting to be changed from active member to reserve member, resigning from our Squad, or asking for an extension of time. These requests were prompted by letters received
from our Board Secretary. The reason these letters were sent to some of our members was due to some changes made in our revised P & P. The Board of Directors had increased the minimum requirements for participation of members. These changes were discussed in detail at our November, 2001 General Meeting.

The minimum requirements for participation are found in our revised P & P are as follows:

Page 3, #6 Member Participation/Review

D. Members wishing to remain on active status must attend at least three official Squad functions per quarter of the calendar year, as well as two training exercises per six months of the calendar year.

E. Members who wish to remain on reserve status must attend at least one official Squad function per quarter of the calendar year as well as one training exercise per six months of the calendar year. Reserve members who fail to meet these requirements may be dropped from the Squad by majority vote of the Board.

F. Members who wish to have their status changed should make such requests to the Board verbally or in writing.

G. Active members who do not maintain participation requirements may be changed to reserve status.

K. All members are highly encouraged to participate in all Squad functions.

We are a professional organization that is trained for Search & Rescue. We must be prepared for all types of Search & Rescue missions; Navigation, Tracking, Map & Compass, Rope Rescue, Fundraising, etc. Sure we gain experience on actual missions, but that is not enough to make us professionals. That is the main reason that the Board of Directors increased the minimum requirements for being a member of our great organization. Each three months we will be reviewing the participation of each member.

We thank you for your support & understanding.

Ron Crimmins
Treasurer, TRSAR

New Member
 

TR60 Joanne Travis

After 33 years of teaching and coaching at the high school level, I retired in June of 2001. I taught Physical Education and Health in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I was also raised in the suburbs and after college went back to my roots to teach and eventually coach.
In 1972 Title IX was passed and I was actively involved in the formation of athletic opportunities for females. I started out coaching badminton and tennis and finished coaching both girls and boys volleyball. Many, many great kids and memories.
Several years before retiring I knew living in Illinois was not something I would enjoy, especially the winters, so the search was on! The outdoors, mountains, hiking, birdwatching clean air and 4 seasons were all high on the list. Payson was a perfect fit. I've been here for 10 months and feel as if it's been years.
Added benefits include having a niece and her husband in the valley and a brother and his family in California.
I found out about Tonto Rim Search and Rescue through the Payson Packers Hiking group. Being a former coach I thought this would be a perfect fit as this group requires a great deal of team work.
I feel blessed to be here in this part of the country and be a part of a great organization.

Training Schedule

1-Jun (Sat) Mock Mission -Postponed due to forest closure

5-Jun (Wed) Night Tracking - postponed due to forest closure

8-Jun (Sat) ATV/ Trailbike Training - 0900 hrs - Pumpkin Center Store (in charge: John Avery)
Sierra Anchas area - bring water, lunch, GPS, warm clothes, etc. - squad ATV and bikes
available for use (contact J. Avery in advance) - full 8-hour day *

15-Jun (Sat) Ropes Training - time and location TBA (in charge: Chris Christy)

* See following notes:

·To reserve use of squad ATV or trail-bike, contact John Avery at 928-476-2106 or 480-892-4424
·To use trail-bikes: gloves, boots, helmet, and eye protection required. Denim jacket on ATV required.
·Forest closure may cancel this training.

Guest Comments

I remember my very first mission with the Squad.

It was early October, and although the days were mild with a slight chill in the air, the evenings were starting to get quite cold. That evening a call came out that we had two (2) lost boys in Payson East.

Arriving at the Command Post, I was taken back by the sheer number of people that had responded. Sheriff vehicles, 4x4's and quads were parked all over the area. A helicopter started hovering over head waiting for landing instructions. I was overcome with emotion, and yet, proud that I'd had become a part of an organization that gives so unselfishly of their time and energy.

As a field of orange shirts stared gathering, all faces were solemn, but with a look of determination. The boys , we were told, were wearing only shorts and t-shirts when they had failed to return home. Backpacks strapped on with ample supplies of water and food, we waited impatiently for our assignments. Mine … well I was assigned to a jeep patrol. Before departing, the boy's parents handed extra clothing to me for the boys. I looked into there faces and gave a reassuring smile, then off we went.

We searched for hours with no luck, then a gleam of hope. The helicopter thought they spotted something below, but they couldn't get down any lower. One of the foot teams was given the estimated co-ordinates and dispatched to the location. The terrain was pretty rugged with a lot of high brush. Going was slow and we all waited. Minutes seem like hours to me, but this was my first time out here.

Then …. a voice over the radio.

"Command, this is TR21. We have the boys and they're okay."

Wow!! What a rush came over me. Was it always like this, I thought?

No …… sometimes the Lord gets there first ….... but not tonight.

Fred Berneche TR35

Changes

Much to our regret, due to other priorities, Fred has had to resign as Secretary. The Board considered several members to replace him and finally came up with the ideal man for the job. Dave Pirtle is now our Secretary.
Let's all give him a round of applause for accepting this responsibility. As in all things he does, we are confident in Dave's ability to fill Fred's shoes.

Snake Safety

1. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don't just blindly wander through woods, weeds, trails, bushes, and the like.

2. Avoid specific snake habitats like brush piles, debris mounds, logjams, root systems, abandoned buildings, watery area, "cover" in general. Remember, they may be anywhere else also!

3. Wear leather shoes or boots at least ankle high or better when walking in suspected snake country.

4. Never sit or climb (feet and hands), or step over obstacles anywhere without first looking carefully prior to taking the move.

5. Observation is critical to avoidance - learn to check around with a sweeping glance for anything that seems out of place, for this may be your subconscious notice of a camouflaged critter lurking close by.

6. Near water of any kind, be aware that many species "hang out" there and will likely be quite hidden from view while they are sleeping or hunting - just be more alert.

7. Remember that snakes have needs for shelter, water, and food basically in that order just to survive, so be aware of these "needs" and be alert when these are especially present in any combination. Learn to recognize food favorites of the species in your area so that when you know the food animal's habits, you also know those of the snakes!

8. Try not to stalk along quietly as snakes have many sensing devices to warn them of your presence - let these work freely with noise, movements, etc. and thus not make the snake think it may be the target of a predator when it would need to become more aggressive!

9. Take a pet along on outings since these animals have a much more effective set of senses when it comes to snakes - a point guard is often a good confidence builder and may serve as a beneficial warning.

10. When a snake is spotted, leave it alone! So many bite victims have chosen to hit the snake or try to catch it. Remember, where there is one, there are likely others! Be alert!

11. Learn more about snakes in the area where you live or play so that you better understand their capabilities and behaviors.

12. Learn basic snakebite first aid. Prepare yourself and always expect the unexpected.

13. Be in tune with your environment - know that most critters, including snakes, try to avoid human contact. Practice skills that make you more aware of what is happening and what critical conditions are present as you move through the fields and streams.

The preceding information was used courtesy of http://www.wf.net/~snake/index.html

FIRST AID: If an individual is bitten by a poisonous snake, (only 4 in the USA - rattlesnake, water mocassin, copperhead and coral snake),

#1. CALL EMS IMMEDIATELY.

#2. WASH the wound and immobilize the area, keeping it lower than the heart if possible.

#3. DO NOT apply ice, DO NOT cut the wound, and DO NOT apply constricting bands or a tourniquet.

#4. GET MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY.

Happy Trails!


End of newsletter