Local Search and Rescue team seeks new recruits

  • These members of the Southern Kern Search and Rescue unit took a rigorous night training hike on June 29, 2013. They are (l-r) Steve Packard, David Atwell, Michael DeLeo, Cody Salyards, Scott Parker, Taylor Dubois, Doug Wilde and Mike Parker, Jr. Unit Captain Frank Heilman took the photo. This photo was taken at 8 a.m. at the Cerro Noroeste Peak trail head after completing an all-night training hike that left from the Mil Potrero “Y” at the base of Mount Pinos (and Mil Potrero Highway) at 7 p.m. June 28. See SKSAR recruitment ad on page 3. [photo by Unit Captain Frank Heilman]

    These members of the Southern Kern Search and Rescue unit took a rigorous night training hike on June 29, 2013. They are (l-r) Steve Packard, David Atwell, Michael DeLeo, Cody Salyards, Scott Parker, Taylor Dubois, Doug Wilde and Mike Parker, Jr. Unit Captain Frank Heilman took the photo. This photo was taken at 8 a.m. at the Cerro Noroeste Peak trail head after completing an all-night training hike that left from the Mil Potrero “Y” at the base of Mount Pinos (and Mil Potrero Highway) at 7 p.m. June 28. See SKSAR recruitment ad on page 3. [photo by Unit Captain Frank Heilman]

Mike Parker has served on the Southern Kern Search and Rescue team for over 32 years. Recently he spoke with The Mountain Enterprise about the qualities that help sustain an interest in getting up in the middle of the night to help find a missing hiker, or an off-road cyclist who has gone over a cliff, or a family that may have gotten lost in the snow and needs to be found while there is time to save them.

Parker spoke of character traits that motivate the team, such as compassion and a desire to help others and the community. A willingness to train for athletic fitness and tracking skills is also needed, he said.

Doug Wilde is the new training coordinator. A recruitment campaign has begun. Meetings are 7 p.m., first Tuesday of each month at Frazier Mountain Park Community Center. —PH Contact the team: SouthernKernSAR@yahoo.com; Capt. Frank Heilman (661-245-7473); Training Coord. Doug Wilde (661-242-1639).

This is part of the July 12, 2013 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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