Renee Seeley

Search and Rescue is brand new to Renee, who has been living in Paonia for about a year and a half (she is originally from Wisconsin). Renee and her husband Todd have been avid 4-wheelers for over 10 years. Though only a member of Search and Rescue for a few months, she likes how much she is learning the most. The meetings and training she has been able to attend have all been very interesting. Renee is the dedicated person who contacts other members about WEMR meetings and training.

Linda Kiser- January 2002

Linda ia a charter member who has been with West Elk Mountain Rescue since it was formed in 1996. Linda has been an EMT for 11 years, an EMT - Intermediate for 9 years, and has taken many wilderness emergency medical courses. Linda also volunteers time with the North Fork Ambulance Service. She says, "You would be surprised at the difference of treating a patient over a longer period of time in the backcountry as apposed to being able to load them in the ambulance and going." We would like to thank Linda for the training that she has given us, which includes keeping us current on our CPR/First aid. Linda states, "I feel like we have done a good job on all of the incidents that we have been dispatched to and I'm proud of that." When asked what she would say to prospective new team members, Linda replies, "I would encourage anyone with the ability and interest to join our team. The comradery is great and the trainings are interesting and fun. I find participating with the team very rewarding." We would all like to thank Linda for her years of service and hard work !!

Chris Johnson- February 2002

Chris claims to be a Gypo Logger and Saddle Bum, who has taken up residence in Paonia for the last eighteen years. When asked for a few words about the team, Chris says, "I'm learning to backcountry ski and rock climb. This team is a hoot!! We get out into the backcountry quite a bit, which I love. I've met lots of new folks. I get to contribute my skills to the community and learn a lot from others. I like the diversity among us on the team. I have been able to attend a lot of training sessions, but so far have not been on an actual rescue. I enjoy learning to use the gear that we have, in hopes of some day helping some one out of a tight spot." Chris has donated a sustantial amount of extra time to maintaining the teams' truck. We would like to give Chris a big Thanks for this!!

Brent Mims- March 2002

Brent Mims is an avid rock climber,hiker, and backcountry skier who has been with the team since its conception in 1996. Brent's love for the outdoors has taken him on many adventures into the backcountry, which has given him skill far beyond average. Brent is the teams' training director, and is in charge of organizing and initiating all of the trainings for the team. Brent is a tremendous asset and resource, and the team is proud to have him on their side. Brent has been named member of the month for March because of the hard work and dedication he exhibits, and the extraordinary projects he has accomplished. Brent's latest projects for the team include building this web-site, building an uphaul system with Pete Rohrs, and researching equipment needs for the team.

Pete Roehrs- April 2002

Pete is a Ranger for the National Park Service, who says that he orginally came to our meetings to gain a feel for the team that he could use when considering local resources that the park may be able to use. The team feels lucky that Pete has chosen to take an active role with the team. Pete brings with him years of experience in a wide range of rescue skills. Some of these include: knowledge of the incident command system, emergency medical knowledge, high angle rescue experience, as well as many other skills. Besides the knowledge and experience that Pete passes on to the team, he has also made contributions to the teams' moral and motivation. Thanks Pete !