About 90 people came out Saturday to show support for the Pennington County Search and Rescue squad as the department hosted its 20th annual open house.

"It was a busy weekend in the community," Kirstin Stauffacher, a 12-year member of the team, said. "There were a lot of activities in town, so we were pleased with the turnout."

The event offered plenty to see: snow cat rides, a rescue demonstration, a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog, and a climbing wall for the young at heart

Stauffacher said the event serves two purposes: "It's a great way for people to learn more about us and what it is we do for the community, and it also helps us generate funds."

Working independently under Rapid City/Pennington County Emergency Management, the local team assists during emergencies with vehicle extrication, assistance in fire calls and, of course, search and rescue missions - which encompasses diverse calamities including helping stranded motorists in inclement weather and recovering bodies after drownings.

"Somebody has to do those things, and that's us," Ray Coldwell said. Coldwell is a 34-year veteran of the squad, and no one has served on the team longer. "I think of this as my other hobby."

He joined the team in 1975 for a very personal reason: "I lost my grandparents in the Rapid City flood (of 1972). I knew there was a real need for something like this, and I wanted to help."

Team members learn about calls for help through a paging system from the local fire dispatch.

"Yesterday we got a call that there was a vehicle extrication needed. We got all the details through a page. Nine of us showed up," Coldwell said.

He said the team may never really know how many are going to be at any given call, but it all somehow works out. "We all try to help out wherever and whenever we can."

Jason Dannenbring agreed.

"We work pretty fluid as team," he said. "We have fun, but we train hard and work well together."

Although the team is all volunteer, they are highly trained. Training is typically lasts four months, under the guidance of peer trainers, and consists of classroom work and hands-on activities. Water rescues, high-angle rescues and vehicle extrications are part of the coursework, and volunteers are required to take and pass the South Dakota Rescue Technician test. Yearly training includes CPR refresher courses and completion of a three-part skills checklist - vertical rescue, extrication, and GPS or map-and-compass navigational practicums - and some members go on to become certified first responders and EMTs, although that training is optional.

Stauffacher said each member devotes about 12 hours per month to training and meetings in addition to the times they are called to action.

"We're a very dedicated group."

Coldwell agreed. "We're a very diverse group of individuals, also."

The local team currently has 25 men and women and a four-year-old white German shepherd trained in tracking and air scent.

New team members are always welcome, and on Saturday, a few visitors showed some interest. Organizers said the next training is scheduled to begin in January.

"This is a really great group of people," Stauffacher said. "We really are like a second family here."

Members are committed to the team due to their mutual sense of community, she said.

"It's nice to know that you're part of the community and that you're doing something for the community. We all feel that here."

Want to join?

To find out more about how to become a member of Pennington County Search and Rescue, call 394-2185 or go online to www.pc-sar.com.