Jerome County Search and Rescue

08/23/2022

It is true. Our unit has disbanded. It is with a heavy heart that I make this post. There are many people who have served with the unit over the years, since it’s founding in the 70’s. I would just like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to ALL of these people! They are the best kind of people: the good ones. They have sacrificed their time and resources to help our community. They have showed up at 5:00 a.m. year after year to do fundraiser breakfasts. They’ve sold raffle tickets to pay for training and equipment at fairs and farmers markets on their own free time. And in times where those tickets didn’t sell well, they have paid their own money to help carry those fundraisers. They have answered countless calls in the middle of the night to find and retrieve drowning victims. They have shown up tired at bed time after putting a full day’s work in to pull lost hikers from the canyon. They have provided security for community events over and over. They have secured houses 24/7 over weekends awaiting fire inspectors to arrive on Monday. They have pulled many from the dark depths of the canyons and the waters. They have grieved with the families of the victims of tragedy. They’ve shown up: to regular meetings, to training, to boating classes, and to parades. They have done this in addition to having full time jobs (even multiple jobs)! Members have done all of this with nothing in return, except for knowing that they have served others. Although I had only been a member for around 7 years, I have had the privilege to get to know some of these people. They are AMAZING! They are selfless and kind. I will always have gratitude in my heart for these wonderful souls.

Upon our voting to disband and as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, we are legally bound to liquidating all assets and then donating the funds back to other nonprofit organizations. This is being done as guided by our lawyer. So far, the area nonprofit organizations we have dispersed checks to are: the Jerome Senior Center, the Jerome Animal Shelter, Martha and Mary’s food pantry, the Eden Senior Center, the the Jerome Christmas fund (to meet needs for coats and other things for children at Christmas time). Climbing equipment has been donated to the SORT team and tables and chairs have been donated to the Civil Air Patrol. Please know that any money you have ever donated to our unit has been used strictly for training and equipment or has gone straight back into your community through these recent donations.

Lastly, we want to THANK YOU: All of you who have supported us over the years. You are amazing! We love you all! Thank you for letting us serve you for almost 50 years! You’re the BEST!!!

02/14/2022

Jerome County Search and Rescue has disbanded.

09/11/2021

08/09/2021

Guess what? You can buy raffle tickets online! If you would like a chance to win a beautiful .22 Henry long rifle and 525 rounds of .22 ammo, contact us through messenger. We will fill your tickets out for you, enter them into our drawing, and send you a picture of your ticket stubs. Plus, you can pay by Venmo. Now, wasn’t that easy?

08/09/2021

Come see us at the Jerome County Fair! We are selling raffle tickets all week!

07/25/2021

We would like to thank the Twin Falls Sheriff’s Office and their Search and Rescue for their continued efforts in this search. We appreciate all that they do for our community. Also, our hearts go out to the family and friends of the missing swimmer. We pray that they might find peace and comfort during this difficult time.

07/17/2021

Come see us at the Jerome Farmer’s Market today until 1:00. We are raffling a .22 Henry longrifle from Sportsman’s and 525 rounds of .22 ammo. All ticket sales go toward training and equipment for our unit.

07/07/2021

Here are some great tips on how to stay safe out there on the water.

With the vast number of rivers, lakes and ponds around Idaho, boats can be a great source of summer fun and leisure. With our extreme hot weather, many are flocking to these areas for relief. But, boaters, swimmers, and marina staff must be aware of dangers in and around the water. Electrical hazards and carbon monoxide (CO) bring unique risks to the boating world. Learn to protect people and pets from these dangers.

KNOW THE RISKS:
Electrical shock drownings can occur when marina electrical systems leak electrical current into the water. Boats can also serve as the source of an electrical leakage. Leakage can cause a shock that can injure, disable, or kill a person.

Carbon Monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. It is often called the “invisible killer.” CO is created when fuels such as gasoline, diesel, or propane do not burn fully. CO is also produced when wood or charcoal is burned. Sources of CO on your boat may include engines, gas generators, and cooking ranges. Space and water heaters can also be sources of CO. CO can collect anywhere in or around a boat. The gas is harmful to both people and to pets.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS
• Never allow swimming near the boat, marina, or launching ramp. Residual current could flow into the water from the boat or the marina’s wiring. This can put anyone at risk of electrical shock drownings (ESD).
• Be sure your boat is well maintained. Have it inspected each year. Ask a qualified marine electrician to do this job.
• Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and equipment leakage circuit interrupters (ELCIs) should be installed and tested monthly. Run tests to find out if electrical current is leaking from the boat.
• Only use cords intended for marine use. Never use household cords near water.
• Know where your main breakers are on both the boat and the shore power source. This will help you respond quickly in an emergency.

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY TIPS
• Poorly tuned engines produce more CO. Keep your engine properly maintained. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for service.
• Proper ventilation for engine and generator exhaust vents must be clear and pipes should be inspected for leaks.
• Get into fresh air right away and get help if you feel symptoms of CO poisoning. These include headache, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, nausea, or seizures. The symptoms can be similar to seasickness. Assume it is CO exposure until you are sure the boat is safe.
• Do not swim near the boat’s exhaust vents. CO accumulates there.
• Install CO alarms inside your boat. Test CO alarms before each trip.
• Choose a CO alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• If the CO alarm sounds, move to a fresh air location right away.

FACT:
CO can remain in or around your boat at unsafe levels even if the
engine has been turned off.

06/26/2021

Come and see us at the Jerome Freedom Fest today! Join our raffle for a chance to win a rifle and some ammo. All proceeds go toward the training and equipment we need to continue to help people in our community.

06/04/2021

Please be safe out there!