November 29, 2021
Honoring Wyoming’s First Responders: Facing Wyoming’s Toughest Challenges
In Wyoming, where wilderness and weather create challenges unlike anywhere else, we are especially grateful for the search and rescue (SAR) teams who answer the call - day or night, rain or shine, at no cost to those in need. These dedicated individuals are our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and community members who step into dangerous and unpredictable situations to bring others home safely.
Search and rescue in Wyoming is never simple. Volunteers train year-round to prepare for the unique demands of our wild landscapes. In the Tetons, calm days can shift to peril in moments. Teams face steep terrain, swift water, avalanches, and high elevations. As Keegan Young, Executive Director of the Teton County Search & Rescue (TCSAR) Foundation, explains, “Preparation starts long before the call comes in. Our volunteers train year-round with navigation, swift water rescue, technical rope systems, and wilderness medicine. Fitness, mental resilience, and cutting-edge gear are all part of ensuring they’re ready to move safely and decisively.” In Albany County, sudden weather shifts pose a major risk. Albany County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (ACSSAR) President Liberty Boyer describes one of the team’s biggest challenges: “An afternoon rain shower can change into sleet or snow with little warning and make an unpleasant situation significantly more dangerous. Many recreationists are not prepared for the variations common to our area, so we prepare by carrying 24-hour packs, practicing survival skills, and training regularly to make sure we’re ready to help.”
The spirit of Wyoming SAR shines brightest in the stories of lives saved. In September 2024, TCSAR was called to assist a 66-year-old hunter who had been injured deep in the Mount Leidy backcountry. With helicopters grounded due to darkness, nine volunteers embarked on a grueling all-night ground mission through downed timber and steep terrain. After hours of effort - hiking, clearing paths, and carrying the man in a wheeled litter - they safely delivered him to medical care by 2:30 a.m.
The team finally returned to headquarters at dawn, readying equipment for the next mission before heading home for rest. In Albany County, a recent mission involved an elderly couple from out of state who lost their way during a sudden snowstorm. With only light clothing, they were in grave danger. ACSSAR deployed 12 responders across four square miles, and within an hour, searchers located the couple, provided warm, dry gear, and escorted them to safety, preventing a potentially deadly outcome.
Both teams emphasize that SAR volunteers are motivated by love: love for their neighbors, love for Wyoming’s wild landscapes, and love for the shared spirit of adventure. “Our members are teachers, accountants, guides, first responders - neighbors who drop everything when someone needs help,” says Young. “Service here is not about recognition. It’s about giving back to the home and community they love.” Liberty echoes that sentiment: “Our members are motivated by a desire to keep the spirit of exploration alive. We love the mountains and animals around us and want people to experience them safely. We also know it could be one of us who needs help next time.”
Because SAR missions are always free to those in need, community support is vital. Donations fund training, equipment, aviation needs, and even meals for exhausted volunteers.
Partnerships with local businesses and outdoor groups sustain the teams year after year. Albany County Sheriff’s SAR also benefits from the Wyoming Search and Rescue Donation Program, which allows residents to give $2 at the time of purchasing hunting or fishing licenses, or registering boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Beginning in 2026, Wyomingites will also be able to purchase a SAR license plate, with proceeds supporting the State Search and Rescue Fund.
Outdoor enthusiasts can support these teams by being prepared themselves: carrying the right gear, checking conditions, knowing their limits, and telling someone their plan before heading into the backcountry. As TCSAR reminds us, “By being prepared, you are not only supporting yourself, but your family and the volunteers who may one day drop everything to help on your worst day.”
The Hughes Charitable Foundation is proud to honor Wyoming’s first responders. Molly Hughes, Executive Director of the Hughes Charitable Foundation, reflects: “The dedication of Wyoming’s first responders is nothing short of extraordinary. Their selflessness and bravery keep our communities safe and allow all of us to enjoy the beauty of this state knowing that, if the worst happens, someone will be there to help. We are deeply grateful for their service.”
To every search and rescue volunteer who shoulders a pack in the middle of the night, who spends long hours in training, and who serves without expectation of recognition: thank you. You embody courage, compassion, and the very best of Wyoming.
