Powell County Search & Rescue

08/29/2026

Our Chief, Jeremy Urekew, met with Marvin Bartlett at the KET studios yesterday to discuss hiking safety in the Red River Gorge!

Check out the KET website to watch the segment and learn more about what we do and how to stay safe while enjoying all the beauty the Gorge has to offer!

TO THE RESCUE: Jeremy Urekew, chief of Powell County Search and Rescue, talks about how to avoid trouble when visiting the popular Red River Gorge, tonight on KET's Kentucky Edition at 6:30 (EST).

08/27/2026

We’re proud to share this recent LEX 18 story featuring Powell County Search & Rescue Chief Jeremy Urekew and the growth of technical and aviation rescue capabilities here in Kentucky.

The story highlights a journey that began more than 25 years ago in fire and EMS and eventually helped lead to the development of Kentucky’s first—and currently only—air rescue program, built through key partnerships involving the Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Task Force One, and supporting agencies across the Commonwealth.

But more importantly, this story is about volunteerism.

Powell County Search & Rescue is made up of people who give their time to train, respond, and serve when someone is having one of the worst days of their life. Whether the call takes us deep into the Red River Gorge, onto the water, over the side of a cliff, or requires a helicopter overhead, none of it happens because of one person or one agency.

It happens because of teamwork, training, partnerships, and people willing to serve.

We’re incredibly proud of how far search and rescue has come in Kentucky, proud of the role PCSAR has played in that growth, and even more excited about where it is headed.

And as Chief Urekew said during the interview, you don’t have to start with decades of experience. You start by being willing to give your time, learn, train, and serve. We will be accepting applications for new team members in the upcoming months.

A huge thank you to Molly Demrow Molly Demrow TV and LEX 18 for spending some time with us and helping tell the story of search and rescue in Kentucky.

Read/watch the full story here:
https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/powell-county-search-and-rescue-chief-built-kentuckys-first-air-rescue-program-from-the-ground-up

More than half a million people visit the Red River Gorge each year, most in search of adventure. When that adventure takes a dangerous turn, Jeremy Urekew is one of the people they may depend on to bring them home.

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

HOIST RESCUE – HANSON’S POINT | RED RIVER GORGE

Tuesday evening, Powell County Search & Rescue was requested to assist Wolfe County Search & Rescue with a medical emergency at Hanson’s Point in the Red River Gorge.

With the patient approximately 2.5 miles from the nearest trailhead and in difficult terrain, PCSAR personnel joined Wolfe County rescuers on the hike into the patient while the Helo Aquatic Rescue Team (HART) and Kentucky State Police Aviation Unit were activated for a potential aerial extraction.

After rescuers reached the patient and completed a medical and site assessment, a hoist extraction was determined to be the safest option.

KSP Aviation arrived overhead and inserted a HART Rescue Specialist to the patient. That Rescue Specialist is also a member of Powell County Search & Rescue and a paramedic. The patient was packaged in an Aerial Victim Extraction Device (AVED), and ground rescuers assisted with a tag line and quick-release system as the patient and Rescue Specialist were safely hoisted into the aircraft.

While operations were underway on Hanson’s Point, Middlefork Fire Department secured the helipad and assisted with aircraft operations. Following the hoist, KSP Aviation transported the patient to the helipad, where Powell County EMS assumed patient care and transported the patient to the hospital. Ground teams cleared the trail at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Missions like this demonstrate exactly why strong mutual-aid relationships and specialized rescue capabilities are so important in the Red River Gorge. A remote medical emergency that could have required a long and difficult ground evacuation instead brought together backcountry rescuers, EMS, fire personnel, emergency management, and aviation resources for a safe and efficient extraction.

PCSAR is extremely proud to have two of our members currently serving as active Rescue Specialists in Kentucky’s HART program. On this mission, we had the opportunity to see that capability come full circle—one of our own serving aboard the aircraft while other PCSAR members worked alongside our regional partners on the ground.

We want to thank Powell County Emergency Medical Services, MiddleFork Fire/Rescue #874, Powell County Emergency Medical Services, Kentucky State Police, Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team, Kentucky Emergency Management, our KSP Aviation Pilots and Crew members, and Kentucky Task Force for the outstanding teamwork throughout this operation.

Different agencies. Different capabilities. One team when it matters.

08/25/2026

Just another "Manic Monday"!

Powell County Search and Rescue received two calls yesterday. The first was for a hiker who fell at Double Arch. The hiker was injured just below Double Arch. With the help of our partnering agencies, Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department, Powell County Emergency Medical Services, and Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team, we were able to package the hiker and carry them out off the woods for EMS transport.

Later that evening, we were dispatched to a call of two missing hikers. The hikers set out on Auxier Ridge trail where they got turned around and found themselves off trail and in a field. They were able to make contact with the reporting party and provided a detailed enough description of their location that our team was able to identify exactly where they were. Our crew and members of MiddleFork Fire/Rescue #874 were able to access the hikers and reunite them with their family.

We all love to enjoy the beauty of what the Red River Gorge has to offer. It is important to remember, no matter how skilled or experienced you may be, hiking trails can still be dangerous. Watch for uneven terrain and exposed roots. Trips and falls can happen to anyone. If you find yourself injured on a trail, call for help immediately. Fall is approaching, which means daylight is limited. The sooner you call, the quicker and safer it is to help!

If you find yourself lost or off-trail, don't hesitate to call for help. Our team is studied and experienced with the area. Most importantly, STAY WHERE YOU ARE! Like the two lost hikers yesterday, staying at the location of your last known contact allows us to get to you quickly and safely.

08/25/2026

We are so proud to have two members on this team! One more capability in the multi-agency coordination that protects and serves this great state.

08/13/2026

FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

* WHERE...A portion of east central Kentucky, including the
following county, Powell.

* WHEN...Until 900 PM EDT.

* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is
imminent.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 657 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to
thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly in the advisory area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of
rain have fallen.
- Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are expected over
the area. This additional rain will allow minor flooding to
persist or worsen.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Stanton, Clay City, Rosslyn, Cat Creek and Bowen.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National
Weather Service when you can do so safely.

08/04/2026

We’re always happy to assist our neighbors!

07/31/2026

This morning at approximately 11:30 AM, Powell County Search and Rescue, alongside Powell County Emergency Medical Services, and MiddleFork Fire/Rescue #874 was dispatched to Natural Bridge State Resort Park for a patient suffering from an fall injury and possible heat exhaustion on Rock Garden Trail.

Kentucky State Park Rangers and Staff made initial contact with the patient and provided updates to responding crews.

Upon SAR and EMS personnel making contact with the patient on the trail, crews decided the use of a rigid liter to evacuate the patient to the top of Natural Bridge and back down Original Trail to the Hemlock Lodge, where they were transported emergent to a local area hospital for further treatment.

All personnel cleared the scene at 3:15 PM