Fremont Rescue

News

Jan. 26, 2008                           Mock Search Training

Fremont Rescue spent the day doing some training, and also assisting Channel 6 News do a story about winter conditions.

Jan. 2008                                             New Addition

Congratulations to Isaak & his wife on becoming new parents of a sweet little girl, "Robbie Annan".

Jan 5, 2008                       Snow Stability Safety Checks

Fremont Rescue headed out to do some snow stability checks on Saturday. Again, we can't emphasize enough, please take avalanche warnings seriously. Check and recheck available information before heading out.

Nov. 2007                                              Eric's Fundraiser

Fremont Rescue held a Dutch Oven Dinner/ Auction Fundraiser for one of our own members.

Eric Thomas has been with Fremont Rescue for decades. He is a dedicated Search Member, and a great asset to our unit. You can count on Eric's help in the most difficult searches, even though he is paralyzed.

Eric needed some help purchasing chair lifts & hand controls when he needed to replace an aging vehicle. We were able to meet our goal of helping Eric get this equipment.

Oct 15. 2007                                              New Addition

Congratulations to Ryan & his wife on the birth of their newest little cowboy, "Teegan Ryan".

July 20, 2007                       New River Rescue Catamaran

Fremont Rescue purchased a catamaran to facilitate in river rescues.

July , 2007                                        Certified Divers

Fremont Rescue now has 3 newly certified open-water divers. Congratulations to Jared Powell, Ron Sykes, & Smokey Gould. Good job guys!!!

June 10, 2007                          Fremont Rescue in ISSAR

Congratulations to Brett Mackert who is the new Idaho State Search & Rescue Commander!

Also, to Brian Lenz, who is Idaho State Search & Rescue's Secretary!

Jan. 1, 2007                           First Avalanche of 2007

Unfortunately, we have already seen Fremont County's first avalanche fatality of 2007.

Ryan White of Bountiful, Utah died as he was caught up in an avalanche while snowmobiling on Mt. Jefferson. full story

Please remember to exercise caution when planning your winter activities.

Dec. 2006                          'Tis the "Avalanche" Season

Fremont Rescue members had an informative Avalanche Training Class where they got some great experience using  their newest equipment , the latest in avalanche beacons available.

It's already avalanche season and there have already been two fatalities in the area, one east of Swan Valley, and one in Cooke City. The Swan Valley incident actually buried two men, and almost claimed a third. Luckily, one snowmobiler was quickly dug out by his companions, who saved his life.

Please remember to educate yourselves and your companions of the avalanche dangers before any more victims are claimed this year.

July 15, 2006                           Fremont Rescue Picnic

Fremont Rescue was able to spend an evening with their families and have a picnic and enjoy some socializing.

Fremont Rescue is a great team because of the selfless, smart, and courageous members who devote their time and energy and resources to help other people. But also, thanks to the support of their families who stand behind the sidelines, helping in their own individual ways, who make things come together, too.

June 2006                                             Relay For Life

Once again, Fremont Rescue participated in the St. Anthony "Relay for Life" all-night Marathon to raise awareness for breast cancer.

April 15, 2006                                Commander Leg Recovery

Our unit commander, Brett Mackert, is recovering from his recent leg surgery. He's spending his days watching TV & painting his toenails. Best wishes to him. Get well soon!

March 2006                                             New Addition

Congratulations to one of our members, Kent, on the birth of a cute new baby!

February 17 and 18, 2006                 American Dog Derby 

            Despite sub zero temperatures, Friday -15 degrees F and Saturday -24 degrees F, combined with additional wind-chill factors, Fremont County Search and Rescue assisted Ashton, Idaho with their famous American Dog Derby.  Twenty one 12 Dog teams, thirteen 8 Dog teams, along with the Pot Luck Mushers traveling 40 miles  and Junior Mushers traveling 4 miles, necessitated radio communication from Search and Rescue members stationed all along the trail at turn around points and check point locations.  Search members also traveled ahead of teams and behind teams as a sweep team to assure dog teams’ safety.  The 12 dog teams’ turn around is 25 miles from Ashton by trail; the 8 dog teams’ turn around is 15 miles. These routes were traveled both Friday and Saturday to complete the 100 mile race by the 12 dog teams and 60 mile race by the 8 dog teams. Rescue members were also positioned at the base to relay information to officials and spectators waiting in Ashton.  Fremont County Search and Rescue has volunteered this service from the time Ashton brought back the American Dog Derby in1993 after the last derby was held in 1961.

Jan 22, 2006                        Snow Stability Safety Checks

Fremont Rescue headed out to do some snow stability checks on Sunday. Again, we can't emphasize enough, please take avalanche warnings seriously. Check and recheck available information before heading out.

Jan. 5, 2006                                  AVALANCHE INCIDENT

Two avalanche fatalities occurred Jan. 5, 2006. The first, a snowmobiler died in an avalanche near Cooke City, Montana. Five riders were highmarking about noon, when the avalanche released on the south end of Mt. Abundance. All of the riders were carrying avalanche rescue gear. Three were able to ride out of the avalanche. One was caught but not buried or injured. The fifth member of the party was buried under 2 feet of debris. He was located and dug out within 10 minutes but efforts to resuscitate him were futile.

The second fatality was attributed to backcountry skiers triggering a large slab avalanche at an elevation of about 10,000 feet on a northeast aspect on Mount Taylor, near the southern end of the Teton Range.  

Nov. 2005                              Preparing for Winter Guys

Some of the guys from Fremont Rescue got together over the Thanksgiving weekend to ready the Rescue Trailer for the upcoming winter season. So far this year, Fremont Rescue has been keeping busy, already going on several searches.

June 10-11, 2005                                          Relay for Life

June 10-11, 2005 was the night of the St. Anthony Relay for Life, all night event. Fremont Rescue was there to lend a hand and even cook a great breakfast in the morning for all the participants. Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants to join together to fight cancer. Relay For Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference. The relay is held all night long to remind us that cancer never sleeps.

St. Anthony Relay For Life Dollars
$25,000.00 collected

May 2005           Fisherman's Breakfast Celebrates 50th!

St. Anthony played host to thousands as it celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Free Fisherman's Breakfast at Clyde Keifer Memorial Park. And Fremont County Search and Rescue was there, as always, with flapjacks and sausages on hand. A dynamic breakfast was served, while live entertainment played, along with other great events. There was lots to see and do via booths and displays surrounding the river area. We look forward to seeing you next year!

March 26,2005                                         Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 26 was a great day for all who showed up at the St.Anthony Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Fremont County Search & Rescue. Even the white, furry bunny managed to put in an appearance. Fremont Rescue received many thanks from the parents of the children participating. Most of the children came away with some very special prizes, in addition to more candy than they could eat. One lucky egg in each age group also won a bicycle. Those lucky kids were: Aidan Bates - 2, Connor Kelly - 6, Jayce Rinehart - 8, Austin Blair - 12.

 Feb. 19, 2005                                   Fugowee Fundraiser

The Island Park Fugowee Snowmobile Club sponsored it's Annual Fun Run on February 19 and has donated the profits to Fremont Rescue.
Fugowee President Larry Johnson said that the event’s profits, $3000 was donated to Fremont County Search and Rescue. Thanks to the dozens of businesses and individuals which donated goods and services to make the event so worthwhile.
 The club wants to encourage all Island Park people to patronize these businesses who support  the Island Park community.
The annual event includes a poker ride to areas businesses, a raffle, and BINGO.
Raffle items were donated by Bloom Construction, Steve and Vickie Harkleroad – Watt’s Enterprises, Alan Bloom. Jack and Karen Fawbush. Diane Sielinsky, and KEZQ.
Bingo prizes and other services were provided by:
Island Park: A-Bar, Action II, Anglers Lodge, Bank of Idaho, Elk Lake Resort, Harriman State Park. High Mountain Adventures, Hungry Bear Market, Hyde Outfitters, Island Park Candle Co., Island Park Consulting, Island Park Guide, Island Park Lodge, Island Park News, Island Park Polaris, Island Park Services, Island Park Village Resort, Julia’s Creations, Kennedy Construction, Lakeside Lodge, Last Chance Shell, Lazy Trout, Meadow Creek Lodge, Phillip’s Lodge, Pond’s Lodge, Robin’s Roost, Shotgun Bar and Grill, Sportsman’s Lodge, Stage Stop, Subway, The Repair Shop, Timber’s Edge, Trout Hunter, Della Harmon, Bill and Kathy Heiter, Ron and Shirlene Kynaston, Val and Marge Fisher, Joyce Johnson, Joe and Kari Williams
West Yellowstone: Bargain Depot, Bullwinkles, Ernie’s Deli, Grizzly & Wolf discovery Center, Gusher, Madison Crossing, Performance Sports, Polaris West. Strozzi’s, Valley Motors, Westmart, Wolf Pack Brewing. Yellowstone Arctic-Yamaha
Ashton: Big Jud’s. City Drug, Fall River CafÈ, Flying A Ranch, Hair Affair, H & G Lumber, Mi Ranchita, Stronks, Trail’s Inn.
St. Anthony: Jill’s Place, Relay Station
Rexburg: Rexburg Motor Sports
Blackfoot: Gas and Scrub
Ogden: Steve and Vickie Harkleroad.
The Fugowee Snowmobile Club is an affiliate of the Idaho State Snowmobile Association. The club hosts rides every month in the winter, does trail clean-up and maintenance in the off season, and welcomes everyone to join, For more information, contact President Larry Johnson, P.O. Box 512, Island Park, ID 83429; Phone: 208-558-9304; E-mail: loj@fretel.com

 Feb. 13, 2005        Fremont Rescue Commander accident

Returning from a night of searching on Feb.13, with terribly slick roads on Island Park's Federal hill, our own Search & Rescue Commander, Brett Mackert, was hit by another pickup truck. The other truck, a Toyota Tacoma, lost control on the slick roads, and hit Mackert's GMC, head on, in the southbound lane. At the time, Mackert was towing the Search & Rescue trailer, which contained two snowmobiles and other rescue gear.

The driver of the other vehicle was trapped in the pickup and ambulance crews had to call for the Island Park Fire Department to help with extrication. Mackert suffered a broken hand, and his son, who was traveling with him, had minor injuries.

This is just another of the hazards that are associated with going out in inclement weather that Fremont Rescue risks each and every search they are called out on.