Mono County honors top searchers

Mono County Search and Rescue Team member Jerry Evans was named the Pete Schoerner Rescue Member of the Year at the team’s holiday and awards party at the Palisades Room at The Village Lodge in Mammoth Lakes on Dec. 3.

The team’s primary annual honor for achievement is named for Schoerner, who died in an ice climbing accident in 1996

Evans responded to 73 percent of the calls for 2022 and 356 team events since joining the team.

“Jerry is often the first to show in the building during a call and often last to leave, bringing a great amount of experience, maturity, and great decision-making support to the team missions,” according to the team. “In addition to his great mission support, Jerry is a member of the Board of Directors, lending his experience to overall Team growth.”

Jacob Lipman was named the Rick Mosher Candidate Member of the Year. Lipman is very active in many areas of Team responses to calls, training, and education. Since joining the team, he has participated in 56 team events and has advanced to Rescue Member, all in his first year.

“Jacob is a model example of what it means to be a new member to our Team and jumped right in with tremendous commitment,” officials said.

Candidate members must undergo training, practice, and testing in 18 skill categories before being considered for advancement to rescue member. “Completion of all requirements takes a lot of dedication and faithfulness over a period that is typically a year or more,” officials said.

Mosher is the only team member to have died in the line of duty while searching in a small airplane that crashed during an operation on August 15, 1979.

The team relies heavily on support members who ensure our facilities and equipment are ready for any mission any time. This year the team recognized Facility Manager Bruce Torrence for his dedication and commitment to the success of the team.

A 30-year service award was presented to Steve Case, who was also awarded the Pete Schoerner Rescue Member of the Year Award in 2006. To date, Case has completed 693 operations and trainings, was a member of the Board of Directors and serves as the lead Tracking Trainer.

A 10-year service plaque was awarded to Megan Guffey, who was also awarded Candidate Member of the Year in 2012, her first year on the team. To date, Megan has completed a combined 177 operations and trainings.

“The SAR team wishes to thank members of the community for their generous support,” they said.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team is a volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives. When called by the Sheriff’s Office, the team responds for searches and rescues at any time, in any weather, for as long as it takes, for free. Each year, the team honors members for their individual excellence and public service and shares in the experience with family, friends, and the community alike.