ALAMOSA — At the Jan. 7 meeting of the Alamosa County Commissioners, Sheriff Robert Jackson recapped the missions the Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) has completed over the last three years. 

AVSAR conducts backcountry search and rescue operations in Alamosa County. Jackson said the group has performed 35 missions, including five recoveries of deceased mountaineers. 

"One of the things search and rescue we're proud of doing is the helipad on Lake Como Road; that was a collaborative effort from everyone," he said. Jackson added that the paved pad is a huge improvement from the previous dirt landing pad that was, "really problematic." 

The sheriff is celebrating 10 years in the job and said that upon taking the position, he realized that search and rescue operations are statutorily mandated to be provided by the sheriff's office. In Alamosa County, the office works in conjunction with the nonprofit Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue. 

"Search and rescue missions are tough physically, and the recoveries are really, really, tough emotionally," said Jackson. Many of the missions are conducted on the Blanca Massif and he added members of the AVSAR team have developed friendships with family members of the deceased. He commended “those who have recovered their loved ones off that mountain." 

In an emotional moment, Jackson recounted a mission when he communicated via radio to AVSAR members Crystal Wilson and Stephen Cline that the mission they were about to undertake included retrieving body parts of a deceased. 

"Those were tough times and we've gotten through it,” said Jackson. 

Commissioner Lori Laske read a statement of appreciation to AVSAR: "With our greatest appreciation, we hereby present Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue for your unwavering dedication to your cause, your team, and your fellow man for the sacrifice of mission before self. Thank you for your professionalism and assistance. Presented by the Alamosa County Sheriff's Office." 

Undersheriff Shawn Woods said, "The level of amazing people on our team…these guys get up there and get it done. They are very highly skilled, trained, and fun to be with. 

"When you go up on these missions, they are so emotionally draining, especially when it turns into a recovery, not a rescue. That makes a difference; over the years, we are kind of like a family. We can all just laugh, joke, or cry our buts off together, which is important,” Woods said. 

Woods noted that the rescue group is independent and autonomous, does its own fundraising, and is generously supported by local employers by allowing the volunteers to take off for their rescue missions. 

Woods presented a commendation plaque for Wilson and Cline, and said, "These guys have spearheaded us into a level of professionalism that we just weren't able to find before they got here." 

A 2022 study of stress and burnout among backcountry search and rescue volunteers by the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that "the effects of stress injuries are of paramount importance to the BSAR [backcountry search and rescue] system in Colorado as they can increase risk factors that lead to adverse mental health outcomes." The study also included mental health benefits to search and rescue personnel participating in an online Stress Injury Prevention Course. 

John Livingston with Colorado Parks and Wildlife told the Valley Courier, "CPW's involvement in mental health training for backcountry search and rescue first responders stems from Senate Bill 21-245. The Senate Bill directed CPW to conduct outreach and training related to the physical and psychological support needs of backcountry search and rescue volunteers, which may include working with consultants, providing programs, or creating a grant program for local governments or nonprofit organizations providing backcountry search and rescue." 

The Valley Courier will have a forthcoming article on the mental health services available to volunteer rescuers in Colorado.  

To make a donation to Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue, visit www.avsar.us.