Needles, CA – On November 19, 2011, members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Colorado River Station Search and Rescue Team participated in All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) training in Needles. Instructors from the Barstow Sheriff’s Station Off-Highway Vehicle Enforcement Team (green Sticker Money) taught Search and Rescue personnel members basic ATV skills needed for safely and effectively operating ATV’s off road.
The Colorado River Station has recently acquired two Kawasaki quad ATV’s, which now gives Search and Rescue members the capability to search larger areas in less time. The newly acquired quads, combined with the training, will greatly increase the effectiveness of Search and Rescue members on searches, which could ultimately result in saving lives.
Each year, persons become lost or stranded in the 5,000 square miles of the mostly desert area in the Colorado River Station’s jurisdiction. The Search and Rescue Team, comprised of mostly volunteers, respond to the emergencies and search for the victims. The ATV addition to the team is another example of continuing efforts being made by the Search and Rescue Team that will provide additional safety to the citizens and the traveling public.
In addition to using the ATV’s searching for lost persons, the equipment is available to assist deputies searching for evidence in large area crime scenes. Investigators often discover evidence used in crimes is discarded by the criminal element in rural desert areas in an attempt to avoid discovery. Recovering more evidence should ultimately result in solving more crimes and bring more criminals to justice.
The following personnel participated in the training:
Larry Ford-CRS Search and Rescue
Dave Barlow-CRS Search and Rescue & Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Glenn Sims- Search and Rescue
Chuck Watson-Search and Rescue & Reserve Deputy Sheriff
George Deleon-Search and Rescue
Tim Lotspeich-Sheriff’s Sergeant, Search and Rescue Coordinator
Instructors:
Deputy Jason Jayne-Barstow Sheriff’s Station
Deputy Ron Sodaro-Barstow Sheriff’s Station
Refer: Sgt Tom Lotspeich
Station: Needles Police Department/Colorado River Station
Phone No.: (760) 326-9200
