SAR Mission Near Fairview Valley

On Saturday October 9, 2010 the Victor Valley SAR team conducted their annual 24 hr. training, which, this year, was directed at BSAR Skills certification.The team met at a campsite in the Stoddard Valley area, located north of Apple Valley between HWY 15 and HWY 247. The day started with the unit meeting followed by members transitioning from one test area to another. During the lunch break a few of us were discussing past overnights and how we seem to always end up in a "for real" situation.

The testing was completed by 1700 and dinner was completed by 1900. A night ATV certification ride was started at about 2000, traveling from the campsite to Slash X Ranch following Stoddard Valley Road and Powerline Road (about 16 miles). An emergency communication (2130) from our Commander indicated than Reserve/SAR Jim Andrews had monitored a dispatch that indicated that there was a missing (4 hours) female motorcycle rider in the Fairview Valley area and that deputies were being sent. He immediately called dispatch and requested that the Watch Commander contact him concerning the missing person. After a brief discussion (we were already in night search mode), a hasty team consisting of members that were in camp (BSAR staff, ground members, and additional ATV riders) proceeded to the search area (approx 2230) and the ATV team was recalled to refuel and get an update.

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