Salt Lake County Search and Rescue in the News
Selected news coverage of Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue—our volunteers, rescue responses, training, and outdoor safety education.
Featured story · Inside SLCOSAR
The people behind search and rescue
A feature by Melissa Fields introduces team and board members through their reasons for volunteering, memorable missions, and connections with one another. It offers a personal look at the people who make search and rescue possible.
Read on Salt Lake magazine ↗Recent coverage
Original publication dates shown
Rescue response
Bystanders and responders work together on Willow Heights Trail
Coverage of the September 26 response highlights the bystanders who began CPR and the work of Unified Fire personnel, Solitude Ski Patrol, SLCOSAR, and AirMed. SLCOSAR provided medical supplies and helped carry the patient out after a pulse was restored. In a follow-up, nurse Miley Feltman describes how she and two other hikers continued CPR for 20 to 30 minutes before crews arrived.
Read on KSL ↗
Rescue response
Partners coordinate a helicopter rescue in Bells Canyon
An injured hiker near the waterfall needed help while SLCOSAR was responding to another critical call. KUTV explains how a DPS helicopter redirected to Bells Canyon and Sandy City Fire crews hiked in to assist. The hiker was hoisted out and reached the trailhead in stable condition.
Read on KUTV ↗
Rescue response
Rescue near Dromedary Peak during a WURL attempt
KUTV reports on the September 25 response to an injured climber near Dromedary Peak. SLCOSAR crews began approaching on foot while Life Flight responded and hoisted the climber to the staging area before hospital transport.
Read on KUTV ↗
Rescue response
Rope teams guide three hikers off Mount Superior
Three hikers became separated from their larger group and stranded on steep terrain during a September 11 outing. ABC4 follows the response by two SLCOSAR teams carrying rope equipment, lights, and warm layers. Volunteers secured each hiker for the descent, and everyone returned to the road shortly after 1 a.m.
Read ABC4’s report on AOL ↗
Rescue response
An overnight effort brings two Lone Peak hikers to safety
With strong winds preventing helicopter access, rescuers reached two cold, sick hikers around 5 a.m. Fellow hikers had shared clothing, food, and water while the pair waited. KUTV details the overnight approach, a rope handline through difficult terrain, and help from Draper Fire. Both hikers reached the trailhead tired but otherwise well.
Read on KUTV ↗
Rescue response
A weather window opens for a Lone Peak rescue
A hiker caught in the August 29 storm was soaked, cold, and seeking a way off Lone Peak. Crews found a safe break in the weather for a helicopter rescue. ABC4 explains the coordination with aviation partners and why weather conditions can make an air rescue impossible, even when someone urgently needs help.
Read ABC4’s report on AOL ↗
Outdoor safety
Preparing for heat before heading outdoors
With summer temperatures climbing and rescue calls keeping volunteers busy, Sheriff Rosie Rivera discusses preparation for outdoor activities. The report focuses on planning for heat, carrying supplies, and letting someone know your plans.
Read on KSL ↗
Rescue response
Avalanche response near Days Fork
Gephardt Daily covers SLCOSAR’s response after a backcountry skier was injured in an avalanche near Days Fork. The article also shares the Sheriff’s Office’s reminders about checking avalanche forecasts and preparing before entering the backcountry.
Read on Gephardt Daily ↗From the archive
Training and team history
Winter rescue skills put to the test
This archived KSL report follows volunteers through a simulated avalanche rescue in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The exercise offers a look at the teamwork, patient care, and demanding conditions involved in evaluating winter rescue skills.
Read the KSL archive ↗Plan your next outing
Explore our outdoor safety resources for practical information to help you prepare for time in the mountains and backcountry.
Explore outdoor safety resources →Media inquiries
For interviews, media requests, and official incident information, please contact the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer.
Visit the Sheriff’s Office newsroom ↗Help support the equipment and training that keep our volunteer rescuers ready to respond. Support SLCOSAR →
This page features selected coverage and is not a source for live incident updates.