Teton County Search and Rescue calls helicopter fundraising ‘mission critical’

Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR), based in Wyoming, USA, is currently fundraising to purchase its own helicopter for its search and rescue missions.

TCSAR has never had a year-round helicopter and is currently leasing its aircraft, but only for eight months of the year. The team often collaborates with other agencies in Idaho and Montana for rescue operations in Teton County.

However, due to the increased number of calls that the service is experiencing, it wants to own and operate a helicopter throughout the entire year. In 2022, the service had 136 calls – a record-breaking number – whereas the previous year saw 105 as Matt Hansen, TCSAR’s Communications Specialist, told EastIdahoNews.com.

Cody Lockhart, TCSAR Chief Advisor, explained why a year-round helicopter is necessary: “First, TCSAR is seeing an annual increase in rescue calls as more people recreate in our surrounding public lands.

“Secondly, leasing a seasonal helicopter is unpredictable and leaves the team short-handed at certain times of the year. Having a rescue-ready ship for 365 days a year will enable TCSAR to fulfil its responsibility of serving the community over the long term.”

The estimated cost of the helicopter is just under $5 million, but TCSAR is hoping to raise $8 million to pay for the helicopter, training and other expenses related to the new program. At time of writing, they have raised $6 million.