SAR Can Be Complicated: Keep a Checklist

While I have been a member of SBSAR for more than 13 years, the last few years have taught me two things. First, all operations need a person dedicated to running the operation. This person cannot be directly involved, and must remove himself from any hands-on portion of the activity. Second, regardless of how often I complete complex tasks, I still follow a checklist. Using a checklist is not a reflection of insufficient preparation, but a prudent measure to make sure that everything is done properly.  In my weekly reading, I came across this interesting article that refers to the book, The Checklist Manifesto. It seems that I am not alone in my penchant for checklists. Fortunately, the article is available online so it is easily shared.

Richardson Search: Malibu Creek State Park

Members of West Valley SAR, SB Mountain SAR, Cave Team, and the Dog Team spent Saturday, January 9th searching for Mitrice Richardson. The folks from San Bernardino County were divided into two teams. My team, Team G-16, was tasked with clearing an area off Mulholland Drive. The search area consisted of a few drainages and heavy brush.We further divided into 3 teams to more effectively cover our area.

View Richardson Search in a larger map

Update on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 10:14 by Jeff Lehman

The LA Times is reporting a sighting of Mitrice Richardson in Las Vegas. Read the article

Update on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 22:20 by Jeff Lehman

The LA Times has reported that remains located in Malibu Canyon are those of Mitrice Richardson.

The National Map: USGS's Digital Initiative

Did you know that virtually every California 7.5' USGS topographical map is available for download? These maps are available in the GEOpdf format, which is a geo-referenced format that allows you to mark-up the map, and make measurements. Moreover, there is a free Adobe Acrobat plug-in that allows you to interact with these maps. In addition, the plug-in interacts with Google Maps, so that  a single click on the pdf will take you to that position in Google Maps.

MapTech and Topo! are still better tools for use during missions, but these maps with the plug-in functionality are still useful for planning and for those who don't have other programs available. If you have access to large format printer or plotter, then you can even make your own map copies.

Currently the plug-in is only available for the Windows platform.

Upcoming Search in Malibu Canyon

A bit of background on the upcoming Malibu Canyon search can be found at

http://malibusurfsidenews.com/stories/201001/201001070001.html

Take the County-Wide Communication Survey

We are interested in gathering some information about how your team communicates. Please take a few minutes to answer a few questions. Login to your sbsar.org email account to access the survey. It is in your inbox. It can also be accessed at this location. If you do not know your login information, then please contact your team commander for your credentials. All SAR members in the county have accounts.

Lt. Grabiec to Move to Rancho Cucamonga Station

Greetings All! 

By now, many of you may have heard that starting February, I will be assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga Station.  This date will mark almost 5 years here in the Volunteer Forces Unit for me and leaving is bittersweet!  While this move will mean a new challenge for me and I will be learning new things, having the opportunity to represent you has certainly been one of the highlights of my career.

I have really enjoyed working with all of the SAR teams in the county.  I know that our teams are some of the finest in the state, if not the nation.  Your dedication to the mission is extraordinary and a credit to the profession of search and rescue.  I have been privileged to work with such a fine group and will miss all of you.  Keep up the good work!

Thank You for All That You Do!

Glenn Grabiec, Lieutenant
Emergency Operations Division/Volunteer Forces
ggrabiec@sbcsd.org

Baldy Rescue 12/23/2009

A hiker lost her footing and tumbled down much of the Baldy Bowl this evening. West Valley SAR responded for the evacuation down the Sierra Hut Trail. A hoist was attempted by a Los Angeles County helicopter, but the hoist malfunctioned, and a second helicopter was summoned. In the meantime, members of West Valley SAR, Wrightwood SAR, Rim SAR, SB Mountain SAR, and the Cave & Technical Rescue Team responded to assist in the litter carry. The second helicopter arrived on scene and was able to hoist the hiker somewhere along the trail as SAR members continued the litter evacuation.

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Griffith Search (12/13/2009-12/14/2009)

David Griffith was last seen at 1500 hours near the summit of Mt. Baldy. A hiking partner took a short break to take an extra clothing layer out of his pack, while Mr. Griffith continued down the trail with plans to return via the Sierra Club Hut. The partner finished the hike without finding Mr. Griffith.

View Griffith Search in a larger map

West Valley SAR was called the evening of December 13 to begin the search. Additional winter/alpine certified searchers were requested later that evening with teams spending the night out searching. On the morning of December 14, Sheriff's Aviation and a SAR member with a spotting scope located Mr. Griffith on the side of Goode Canyon. He was hoisted by the air crew and returned safely to Cow Canyon Saddle. Members from West Valley SAR, San Gorgonio SAR, SB Mountain SAR, Bear Valley SAR, the Cave & Technical Rescue Team, Victor Valley SAR, and Wrightwood SAR participated in the mission.

Red Dog Mine Nov 14, 2009

Approximately five years ago, April Pitzer boarded a bus headed home. She was never heard from again. A recent lead indicated that Red Dog Mine, south of Ludlow, CA would be a good place to search. The mine had been searched previously by Barstow Desert Rescue Squad, so this time the dog team was called to assist. The Barstow DRS and Cave Team worked together getting the dogs into the main shaft, while Kern and Los Angeles Counties worked on nearby shafts. Before the end of the day, the mine and two nearby shafts were thoroughly searched by humans and dogs. No remains were found.

This mission was especially interesting in that the dogs and handlers were inserted into the mine on rope. The video above illustrates the process, and the terrific training of the dogs. Toward the end of the mission,  on his way out, Matt Truitt, of the Cave Team, located an additional tunnel that had not been previously mentioned. The mine owner was on hand, and he wasn't aware of a fourth level. The maps that we had on scene only showed three levels. Matt and James, a member of the mine team, carefully searched this additional level.

Meanwhile above ground, a call was received indicating that human bones were found near Kelbaker road, so the Dog Team and Barstow DRS were released to search that site. Before exiting the mine, members of the Cave Team performed a line survey of the mine.

Apple Valley Sheriff's Posse Poker Ride

The Apple Valley Sheriff's Posse's poker ride is this coming Saturday, November 14. Sign-ups begin at 0900 at the Joshua Inn, and the ride starts at 1000. RSVP with Maarten Verwey at 760-559-4555. Read the flyer for details.