Flathead County Search and Rescue Association recently received $2,670 in Roundup for Safety funding for equipment needs.
Flathead County Search and Rescue Association recently received $2,670 in Roundup for Safety funding for equipment needs.
FCSAR President Anthony Palmiotti presented on behalf of the well-known nonprofit, founded in 1950 and one of the oldest SAR organizations in the United States. He noted wryly that the group is receiving an exponentially increasing number of calls to assist in the mountains, on the rivers, and off and on the trails in an area about the size of Connecticut.
“We do get visitors around here in the summertime,” Palmiotti told the Roundup for Safety Board of Directors with a wink. “The fire department is great, but the fire truck can’t always make it up to Camp Misery,” Palmiotti continued, referring to a trailhead in the Jewel Basin area. “That’s where we come in. Right now, our equipment isn’t keeping up with the volume of calls we’re receiving.”
He further relayed that in efforts to inventory and bring all its rescue and medical equipment up to current Best Practices, FCSAR noted a need for two types of rescue equipment to assist in the many low and medium-angle rescues they perform: a vacuum spine board and rescue litter kit. FCSAR was awarded $2,670 in Roundup for Safety funds for these items.
Other Projects Funded
- Three Rivers EMS — Bullet/stabproof vests — $8,700
- Friends of Flathead Avalanche Center — Web development for safety messaging — $7,500
Roundup for Safety is a voluntary program for Co-op members who round up their electric bills to the next dollar. This money is managed by an independent board and goes into a fund for community safety projects.
The Roundup for Safety Board will consider June applications through May 31 and vote on them at its June 8 meeting. If your nonprofit is interested in applying for community safety funds, visit our Roundup for Safety page or call the Roundup for Safety Board Liason:
