News & Story Feed

News & Story Feed

Recent Rescues Overview – Helicopters and Dedicated Volunteers Are Key

Oct

On October 3, 2018, just before 2PM, a 38-year-old woman from Rimrock called YCSO dispatchers to report being stranded while hiking on Bell Rock, Sedona. She had been hiking since 9:30 AM and decided to become ‘adventurous’ by going off trail and up the mountain eventually reaching a point where she could no longer continue. Not feeling safe to go back down the way she came as it was too steep, she smartly called for help. Fortunately, YCSO dispatchers were able to capture GPS coordinates as she was unable to adequately explain her whereabouts.

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YCSO volunteer search-and-rescue groups begin donation campaign

Sep

Local residences, businesses will receive mailers
Volunteers with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Force are used to receiving recorded messages like this recent one:

“This is Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department. We have a 4-year-old girl missing in the Williams area. This is an all hands call out. Report to incident command. Please respond immediately if available.”

When they do, they gear up and get to work on finding the missing child, never expecting to receive compensation in return.

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Father/Son Rescued – Satellite tracker a key Lifeline

Jul

On July 9, 2018, around 10:30 PM, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a woman reporting her 44-year-old husband, 8-year-old son, and their dog were overdue from a hike in the Beaver Creek area. The pair left on July 8 and were expected to return the following day, July 9. She indicated receiving a message from the ‘Spot’ brand satellite tracking device on July 8 indicating her husband and son arrived for their designated hike and a message the following day stating they were back at their vehicle.

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Missing and endangered man - Alonso “Israel” Salazar - found

Jun

Update: June 5, 2018, 12:25 p.m.

Alonso "Israel" Salazar has been found. He was located just outside the Emmanuel Campground area at about noon. He is in good condition, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office (YCSO).

"Thanks to everyone for their concern and prayers," said YCSO spokesperson Dwight D'Evelyn.

Update: June 5, 2018, 9:27 a.m.

The search for Alonso “Israel” Salazar, 24, remains active today with a full complement of rescue teams on scene including volunteers on horseback, ATV, jeeps, with search dogs and numerous ground teams.

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Missing Person located, Deceased – Closure for Family due to efforts of Search Volunteers

Apr

On April 8, 2018, a 64-year-old male transient was reported missing from the Mayer area by his family having last been seen on April 4, 2018. The missing man’s vehicle had been located earlier by family member in the Goodwin Burn area near Big Bug Wash off Grape Vine Road outside of Mayer. The vehicle remained parked at the location apparently untouched over the next several days and there was no sight of the missing family member. As a result, the family called YCSO to investigate and noted the missing family member had made suicidal comments in the past.

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Cliff Rescue in Sedona

Mar

On March 25, 2018, around 10 AM, deputies received a report of a female hiker stranded on a cliff on Bell Rock in Sedona. A YCSO deputy was able to hike and get as close as possible to the stranded hiker. The deputy indicated a rescue team would be necessary to safely remove her. The woman was positioned on the side of a rock face with a 20-foot drop and was unable to sit because the ledge was so small. She not wearing shoes and very cold due to lack of a jacket.

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York Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Supports YCSRT 4x4

Mar

York Dodge Jeep Chrysler Ram partners with YCSRT 4x4

York Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram became a primary benefactor to the Yavapai County Search and Rescue – 4x4 Unit via a very generous monthly monetary donation. This ongoing gift will significantly assist the Unit in maintaining and upgrading the critical equipment and training needed to better serve the citizens of Yavapai County and it’s numerous yearly visitors. Thanks York!!

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15-year-old Hiker Rescued from Sedona Butte after Overnight Stay

Jan

On January 11, 2018 at approximately 7:45am, a 15-year-old male was rescued from the south aspect of Capitol Butte (aka Thunder Mountain) in Sedona by the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team (YCSRT) Back Country Unit (BCU) aided by a DPS Ranger Helicopter.

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ATV rider found Deceased

Sep

On September 12, 2017, at approximately 6 PM, a man called Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office dispatch to report finding a deceased person still trapped underneath an ATV on Forest Road 97B in the Groom Creek area. It appeared the body had been there for several days. The location was about 3 miles south of the Wolf Creek Road intersection. The caller was driving along this road when he discovered the body.

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YCSRT Swiftwater Team achieves 1st place in Statewide Competition, Again

Aug

On August 5, 2017, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Response Team (YCSRT), Backcounty Unit, competed in the Annual State swiftwater rodeo. The event was held at Saguaro Lake Ranch in Mesa, Arizona. The YCSRT team had a total of 10 members represented in this competition. Team one consisted of Josh Schmidt, Dan Hughart, Curt Freeman, Tim Wielinski, Scott Mahon and Ryan Viscket. This team took first place for the second year in a row.

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