LASD - Montrose Search and Rescue Team

LASD - Montrose Search and Rescue Team This page is designed so that current and former members of MSR and its supporters can keep in touch and to inform the community to our activities.

Email and text is not a reliable method for communicating emergency needs. Senders cannot be certain every email or text has been transmitted by their server, nor that it has been received by the addressee, nor that it will be seen within the time expected or needed. If you have an emergency always call 911. To contact Montrose Search & Rescue call Crescenta Valley Station at (818) 248-3464. Inter

ested in joining the team? Contact us at (818) 248-3464. View our website at www.montrosesar.org or like us on Twitter at Team@MontroseSAR

Busy Days on the MountainYesterday was an incredibly busy day for Montrose Search and Rescue in the Angeles National For...
05/18/2026

Busy Days on the Mountain

Yesterday was an incredibly busy day for Montrose Search and Rescue in the Angeles National Forest.

Our day began early with our probationary members and training officers already in the field conducting training operations. At approximately 8:07 a.m., our team was dispatched for a male hiker experiencing medical distress near May Peak.

Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations Copter 11 responded to the scene and assisted with the incident. Despite the efforts of everyone involved, the hiker was ultimately declared deceased at the scene.

Montrose Search and Rescue then worked alongside Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office to conduct the difficult task of transporting the victim off the mountain so he could be respectfully turned over to the Medical Examiner.

Later in the day, members of our team participated alongside Crescenta Valley Station personnel in the Annual Memorial Run, honoring fallen members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Approximately four miles into the run, our team received two rescue calls simultaneously — one involving a juvenile who had reportedly slid off the trail on Strawberry Peak, and another involving a hiker with a knee injury on the Switzer Falls Trail.

Team members immediately left the event, changed gear, loaded into our rescue vehicles, and responded to both incidents.

Fortunately, the juvenile on Strawberry Peak was able to climb back onto the trail before rescuers arrived. Our personnel met the hiker while hiking out to evaluate him and ensure he was safe.

At the same time, several Montrose Search and Rescue team members responded down the Switzer Falls Trail to reach the injured hiker suffering from the knee injury. Rescuers made contact with the patient, evaluated him, and assisted him safely out of the area.

Days like yesterday are a reminder that our volunteer rescuers must constantly transition between training, memorial events, emergency response, and difficult recoveries — often all within the same day.

As always, we encourage everyone heading into the mountains to:
• Carry plenty of water
• Watch your footing on steep or loose terrain
• Know your route and limitations
• Bring navigation and communication devices
• Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return

The mountains can change quickly, and preparation matters.

Busy Week in the San Gabriel MountainsWe have been busy over the last couple of days responding to multiple incidents in...
05/08/2026

Busy Week in the San Gabriel Mountains

We have been busy over the last couple of days responding to multiple incidents in the Angeles National Forest.

Last night, our team was called out for an overdue solo hiker on the Strawberry Peak Trail near Red Box. Family members had become concerned after the hiker failed to return as planned. Upon arriving at Red Box, rescuers located the hiker’s vehicle still parked at the trailhead, confirming she was likely still on the trail.

As ground teams and air resources began searching the area, we received a second report involving two additional overdue hikers on the same trail. Their vehicle was found parked immediately next to the first hiker’s vehicle.

Search operations continued through the evening utilizing both ground searchers and aviation resources. Fortunately, all three overdue hikers were eventually located safe and hiking out of the area. We later learned they had linked up with two other hikers and were traveling together as a group.

Today, we responded to a separate incident involving a 71-year-old woman who suffered a severe leg injury after falling on a trail. While our team was responding, Air Rescue 5 conducted a hoist rescue to safely remove the patient from the trail and transport her to medical care.

As temperatures rise and more people head into the mountains, we want to remind everyone to hike responsibly:
• Research your route before leaving home
• Carry a fully charged phone and consider bringing a GPS or satellite communication device
• Let someone know your plans and expected return time
• Stay aware of your footing on steep or uneven terrain
• Bring adequate water, food, and proper gear

Even experienced hikers can quickly find themselves in trouble in the mountains. Preparation and good decision-making can make all the difference.

Multiple Rescues Above Veterans Park – Stay on the TrailThis afternoon at approximately 3:17 PM, we responded to a repor...
05/05/2026

Multiple Rescues Above Veterans Park – Stay on the Trail

This afternoon at approximately 3:17 PM, we responded to a report of two stranded hikers in the mountains above Veterans Park in Sylmar.

The hikers had followed a creek near a waterfall and encountered ropes that appeared to assist with climbing up the canyon. After ascending the ropes and continuing up loose scree terrain, they reached a point where they were unable to safely descend and called for help.

Our team responded along with Air Rescue 5. The aircraft conducted a successful hoist operation, lifting both hikers to a nearby landing zone where our ground team assisted them to a waiting ambulance.

While this rescue was underway, another hiker went off trail approximately 100 yards from our location and became stuck on a steep hillside after the aircraft had already landed. Our team quickly responded, with one rescuer going over the side while another deployed a rope to safely bring both the hiker and rescuer back up.

We want to remind everyone that we have had several recent calls in the Veterans Park area involving hikers going off trail. The established trails are wide, well-marked, and designed for safe travel. The surrounding terrain is steep, loose, and can quickly become dangerous.

Please stay on designated trails and do not attempt canyoneering routes or climbs unless you are properly trained and equipped.

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Mike Leum Action Figure EditionIn honor of Volunteer Week, Montrose Search and Rescue is proud...
04/26/2026

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Mike Leum Action Figure Edition

In honor of Volunteer Week, Montrose Search and Rescue is proud to announce the return of a fan favorite, the Mike Leum Action Figure: New and Improved Edition.

After being last year’s best seller, demand was so high that we had no choice but to bring Mike back with upgraded features, expanded capabilities, and even more confidence in the packaging.

Now available in collectible form, Mike comes equipped with elite physical fitness mode, social media super powers, and daring helicopter mission action sequences performed by a trained professional.

Whether responding on difficult rescues, helping tell the team’s story online, or somehow making strenuous activity look easy, Mike continues to set a high standard for service and involvement.

Collectors should be advised that this figure also includes advanced microphone detection technology, because the most dangerous place in the world is reportedly between Mike and a microphone.

Additional features include camera-ready mode, high-energy leadership phrases, and the ability to appear ready for action at all times.

All jokes aside, Mike’s dedication, leadership, and countless volunteer hours have made a tremendous impact on Montrose Search and Rescue and the many people we serve.

Thank you, Mike, for your many years of service to Montrose Search and Rescue.

Busy Start to the Weekend for Montrose SARWe've had a busy start to the weekend with multiple calls for service in our l...
04/26/2026

Busy Start to the Weekend for Montrose SAR

We've had a busy start to the weekend with multiple calls for service in our local mountains.

On Friday, our team responded to an injured hiker who had fallen on the Mountaineer’s Route of Strawberry Peak. We responded alongside Air Rescue 5, which was able to safely hoist the patient from the rugged terrain.

A few hours later, we were called to assist Antelope Valley Search and Rescue with a missing 11-year-old near Mount Pacifico. The child had become separated from a parent and traveled the opposite direction on Santa Clara Divide Road. Thankfully, a good Samaritan located the child and brought him safely to our command post.

Yesterday, our team responded again for an injured hiker off the Gabrielino Trail with a possible upper-body injury. Team members located the hiker and safely escorted him back to the trailhead.

As the weather improves and trails become busier, please plan ahead, stay with your group, carry essentials, and recreate safely.

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Dean Powell Action Figure EditionIn honor of Volunteer Week, Montrose Search and Rescue is pro...
04/25/2026

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Dean Powell Action Figure Edition

In honor of Volunteer Week, Montrose Search and Rescue is proud to unveil the fast-rising and highly sought-after Dean Powell Action Figure.

Now available in collectible form, Dean comes equipped with tactical strength mode, climbing grip action hands, and crowd-pleasing charisma straight from the factory.

Although Dean is one of the newly minted members of the team, he has already made quite an impression. In fact, he is so popular in the community that he reportedly has his own fan club who show up to meetings. We are still looking into whether autographs are now required.

This action figure also features deluxe fitness accessories, reflecting Dean’s hobbies of weightlifting, jiu jitsu, and rock climbing. Whether lifting heavy objects, grappling obstacles, or scaling steep terrain, Dean appears determined to stay ready for anything.

Collectors should note that this figure may arrive in excellent physical condition and with confidence levels set unusually high.

All jokes aside, Dean’s enthusiasm, positive energy, and willingness to serve have already made him a valued part of Montrose Search and Rescue.

Thank you, Dean, for your service and commitment to Montrose Search and Rescue and our community.

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Dominic Carone Action Figure EditionIn honor of Volunteer Week, Montrose Search and Rescue is ...
04/24/2026

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Dominic Carone Action Figure Edition

In honor of Volunteer Week, Montrose Search and Rescue is proud to release the rugged and highly practical Dominic Carone Action Figure.

Now available in collectible form, Dominic comes equipped with inventory tracking mode, emergency gear acquisition powers, and the rare ability to know exactly where that missing piece of equipment was last seen.

As the team Quartermaster, Dominic helps keep Montrose Search and Rescue mission-ready by managing the gear, supplies, and equipment that keep operations moving. If ropes, packs, helmets, radios, or hardware magically appear when needed, there is a good chance Dominic had something to do with it.

Need specialized rescue equipment? Dominic is already sourcing it. Need replacement gear? Dominic has a plan. Need to know what box it is stored in? Dominic probably labeled it himself.

By day, Dominic works as a fish pond installer contractor, building custom ponds and water features. Which means whether it is rescue gear or a koi pond pump system, Dominic is used to making complicated things work properly.

This action figure also includes koi pond construction mode, plus heavy-duty lifting capability from years of moving gear that somehow gets heavier every season.

All jokes aside, Dominic’s hard work behind the scenes, reliability, and countless volunteer hours help ensure this team is always prepared to respond.

Thank you, Dominic, for your many years of service to Montrose Search and Rescue.

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Jesse Cripps Action Figure EditionIn honor of Volunteer Week, Montrose Search and Rescue is pr...
04/23/2026

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Jesse Cripps Action Figure Edition

In honor of Volunteer Week, Montrose Search and Rescue is proud to introduce the highly anticipated Jesse Cripps Action Figure.

Now available in collectible form, Jesse comes equipped with public event mode, motivational leadership phrases, attorney-grade negotiation skills, and endurance levels that never seem to run out.

When the team is out in the community at public relations events, there is a good chance Jesse is involved. Whether representing the team, helping educate the public, or making sure everything runs smoothly, Jesse is always ready to step in and help.

By day, Jesse works as an attorney, meaning this action figure is uniquely qualified to object, overrule, and remind everyone to read the fine print.

Jesse is also a dedicated Scouting America leader, helping guide and mentor future generations with the same steady leadership he brings to the team.

And for those wondering about the “unlimited stamina” feature—yes, it is factory installed. Jesse has completed an Ironman, so normal batteries were never going to be enough.

All jokes aside, Jesse’s commitment, professionalism, and volunteer service have made a lasting impact on Montrose Search and Rescue and our community.

Thank you, Jesse, for your many years of service to Montrose Search and Rescue.

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Steve Goldsworthy Action Figure EditionIn honor of Volunteer Week, Montrose Search and Rescue ...
04/23/2026

Volunteer Week Spotlight: Steve Goldsworthy Action Figure Edition

In honor of Volunteer Week, Montrose Search and Rescue is proud to unveil what nobody asked for—but everyone needed—the limited edition Steve Goldsworthy Action Figure.

Now available in collectible form, Steve comes fully equipped with mission radio, cell phone troubleshooting mode, and the ability to somehow be in three places at once.

As our Assistant Team Leader, Steve is heavily involved in nearly every aspect of the team. Need a mission coordinated? Steve is on it. Need a cell phone located, unlocked, charged, or magically brought back to life? Steve is already working on it.

By day, Steve works in an electrical supply house, which explains why he is naturally drawn to wires, batteries, and things that beep unexpectedly.

His action figure also features disappearing action mode, because Steve is gone on missions so often that rumor has it his wife has considered filing a missing person report.

All jokes aside, Steve’s leadership, dedication, and countless volunteer hours have made a tremendous impact on this team and the people we serve.

Thank you, Steve, for your many years of service to Montrose Search and Rescue and the community.

Address

4554 Briggs Avenue
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
91214

Telephone

+18182483464

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when LASD - Montrose Search and Rescue Team posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to LASD - Montrose Search and Rescue Team:

Shortcuts

Share

Category