SSSAR volunteer David Wallenburn and Missoula County Sheriff's Deputy Heath Hanson (red) talking with volunteer Jon Haufler prior to rescuing "victim" Sergeant Bob Parcell on Salmon Lake, Saturday, Jan. 12.
Missoula County Sheriff's Deputy Heath Hanson (red) and SSSAR volunteer David Wallenburn are pulled to shore as volunteer Jon Haufler gets a hold of the "victim" Sergeant Bob Parcell. This was the first year they have trained with the boat that was recently donated.
SSSAR volunteers waiting for instructions. Sergeant Bob Parcell said it was good to get out and training early this year since there are a lot of people out on the ice.
SEELEY LAKE – Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue took their training down to Salmon Lake for the earliest cold water training they have ever had Jan. 12. While they have yet to use the annual training during an incident, the volunteers agree that it is a good refresher.
Missoula County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Bob Parcell said SSSAR has around 10 volunteers certified in cold water rescue. This is the earliest they have ever held the training since it is the earliest they have ever had access to the inlet at Salmon.
As Parcell pointed to many fishermen on Salmon Lake, he said, "This kind of a year, you can't tell me someone isn't going to go in [the lake] one of these days. A lot of times they will self rescue but one of these days, they won't be able to. It's always good to have the ability."
This year they trained with a new boat that was donated by a Seeley Lake resident. The volunteers tested out its capabilities as a rescue vessel during the training and agreed it was a useful tool. Chief Tim Hoag said he was grateful for the donation of the boat and trailer.
While SSSAR has never done a cold water rescue, Parcell said the closest they came was last Sunday when a doe was reported in the creek at the end of Cabin Lane. Parcell along with SSSAR Chief Tim Hoag, Hoag's son Owen and SSSAR volunteer Auguste Lockwood were able to get a rope around the deer and pull it out of the water after it had been unable to pull itself up on the ice for more than two hours.
"She got right up, stood up and took off," said Parcell.
"Just want to thank everyone who came to the training. It went well," said Hoag.
SSSAR is made up of all volunteers. They assist with search and rescue operations year round. They are trained in high angle rescue, swift and cold water rescue, avalanche rescue, backcountry rescue and everything in between. The group meets the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the SSSAR building on Shop Drive near the Seeley Lake Airport and is always recruiting new members.
For more information about SSSAR or to volunteer call Parcell at 406-531-0366.
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