By Monte Turner
Clark Fork Valley Press & Mineral Independent
MINERAL COUNTY, Mont. — Mineral County has observed firsthand in recent years that there is a significant need for search and rescue, as these teams save lives by finding people during the “golden hours.” The faster a distressed person is found, the greater their chance of survival.
Search and Rescue of Mineral County is a new organization and, through a memorandum of understanding, works under the supervision of the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office. This organization was established in January 2025 to bring a trained and professional organization to serve the citizens who stay and play in Mineral County.
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“We strive to locate, stabilize (with our trained EMTs), and evacuate people who are in imminent danger,” Superior Volunteer Fire Department Chief Scott Dodd states. “We have new bylaws, a new MOU with the county, a new proactive board, and a lot of new members, he said.”
Search and Rescue of Mineral County is a 100% volunteer organization funded by limited grants and donations. In addition to their training hours and missions, many of their members utilize their own personal equipment and vehicles. In some cases, equipment must be borrowed from residents or obtained through their mutual aid agreements. At this time, they don’t receive any county taxpayer dollars for funding.
Search and rescue is activated and operates under the operational control and supervision of the county sheriff or his designee. It is important to have driven and certified members who respond to incidents, as the liability is high.
Recently the team was dispatched via mutual aid from Shoshone County Idaho. They were advised of an injured snowmobiler in the Hoodoo Pass area. They were able to work in close coordination with the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, West End Fire Department, Superior Volunteer Fire, Superior Area Ambulance, Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Air Force. Thanks to this seamless coordination, the snowmobiler was rescued and received the medical attention needed.
Search and Rescue of Mineral County has received several donations from the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office in the past year. Sheriff Ryan Funke has donated a jet boat and several trailers to help this new search and rescue get on their feet. He is also hoping to provide two donated snowmobiles in the near future.
“We are an outdoorsman’s paradise and have an influx of people visiting our county to recreate every year, and we need to provide this type of service, and quickly most of the time,” Funke stated.
Dodd has also been on the hunt for a location for this new search and rescue to put down their roots. At this new location, he is hoping for a large metal building to provide dry storage. This, in turn, will provide longevity for their equipment, which is paramount to their success. It will also cut down response times for river rescues.
Search and Rescue of Mineral County is seeking donations for funding operational and mission support to accomplish their goals. They are also seeking volunteers of all abilities to join the team and help provide this valuable asset to Mineral County.
To make a tax-deductible donation or inquire about joining their team, please contact Chief Scott Dodd at 406-396-7223.
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