On February 4, 2016, around 4:30 pm, an Oregon man called to report that a California man was stuck in deep snow on Senator Highway (Forest Road 52) north of Palace Station – approximately 17 miles south of Prescott. The California man was in a Cadillac Escalade and had 7 dogs with him but no working cell phone. Sometime later, the caller told YCSO dispatchers that he and his girlfriend were now stuck in the snow. Using the caller’s cell phone location from the 911 call, a deputy started down Senator Highway with the limited information and intermittent cell phone contact.

On December 10, 2015, at about 9:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office was called to help find a 19-year-old Manuel Ortega after he got lost in the dark somewhere between the communities of Cottonwood and Sedona. Ortega was scheduled to get picked up at his home, located on Bill Gray Road inside the Coconino National Forest, by a family member to go to work. When the family member called to say they were running late, Ortega stated he would start walking toward Hwy 89A and wait for the ride.

Eugene Albert Campbell was located at about 1:50 p.m. in a wash about a quarter-mile mile from his home in very rugged terrain by a Yavapai County Search and Rescue K-9 Team. Mr. Campbell was found to be alert and responsive. He was transported to Verde Valley Medical Center for further evaluation.

The 80-year-old Cottonwood man was last seen at 7 p.m. Friday at 2050 W. State Route 89A in Cottonwood.

YCSO cannot thank enough the search and rescue volunteers who continually provide live saving solutions to anyone who has needed help in the many wilderness rescues over the last few weeks. It is hoped the ongoing publicity regarding incidents like these will cause those intending on venturing into the wilderness to PLAN, PREPARE, and avoid exceeding your abilities/experience. Below are just 2 examples from many recent rescues.

BELL ROCK RESCUE -