In the rugged and often unforgiving wilderness of Maricopa County, a dedicated team of volunteers works tirelessly to ensure the safety of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. These individuals, known as the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Search and Rescue Posse, are the unsung heroes who bravely tackle challenging terrains to provide critical aid and rescue services.
The MCSO Search and Rescue Posse is composed of trained volunteers who can be found atop mountains or rappelling over rivers and lakes, always ready to assist those in need. “The MCSO Search and Rescue program is an excellent opportunity to give back to the outdoor community,” says Russ Kemp, a veteran member of the Posse. “We do rescues all throughout the county, and sometimes throughout the whole state. You get thousands of dollars worth of amazing training for free, and some of my best friends are on the team. I spend time with them all the time now.”
For those intrigued by the idea of joining this valiant team, the Posse Recruitment & Orientation event is an ideal starting point. Scheduled for August 17th, 2024, at 9:00 am, this event offers a glimpse into the life and duties of a Search and Rescue volunteer.
Russ Kemp shares his enthusiasm and dedication, recounting a typical rescue operation: “This morning we are simulating what is called a ‘Kick-Off,’ which is rescuing somebody who has gone over a cliff edge and cannot repel to the bottom or climb to the top. The operation involves ascending a rescuer over, or what we call, ‘capturing that individual.’ Once we capture that individual, we are able to bring them back up to the top of the cliff or take them down.”
Kemp’s passion for the outdoors and helping others is evident. “I’ve always loved the outdoors. I grew up in the outdoors and took an early interest in search and rescue,” he says. “For me, joining the Posse was a lifetime experience. The camaraderie of the team is hard to match. You have a great team, you learn a lot of skills, and you get to see parts of the state you don’t get to see anywhere else.”
Volunteering with the MCSO Search and Rescue Posse is not just about performing rescues; it’s also about forming bonds and gaining invaluable experiences. “You get to work closely with coordinators and Lake Patrol, helping deal with outdoor emergencies. It’s just an opportunity that you can’t find hardly anywhere else,” Kemp explains. “I highly recommend it. It’s been a life-changing opportunity for me and one of the best choices in my life that I’ve ever made.”
For those interested in making a difference and joining a team of like-minded individuals dedicated to community service, the Posse Recruitment & Orientation event is the perfect opportunity to learn more. As Kemp highlights, the experience is unparalleled: “It’s been a great way for me to give back to the community, and I spend somewhere between five and six hundred hours a year as a volunteer for the Mountain Rescue Posse.”
To see the MCSO Search and Rescue Posse in action and hear more from Russ Kemp, check out this page.
