Fremont Search & Rescue member honored for dedicated service

In 1987, when his son Eric turned 18 years old, Butch Thomas, a member of Fremont County Search & Rescue (FCSAR) encouraged him to join the unit. Eric, who had been instrumental in forming the Fremont County Search and Rescue Juniors Unit, one of the first in the state of Idaho, had always wanted to be part of the unit and help his community. The unit welcomed him with open arms.

When a search & rescue mission is initiated, Eric notifies all team members at the same time via text messages, which results in quicker response times. Eric has had radios installed in his home and in his vehicle to help him keep track of search & rescue members and to monitor radio transmissions during a search. Whenever possible, Eric accompanies the unit on searches, monitoring every transmission and relaying between team members and the sheriff's office. When he is home during a search, Eric stays up all night, listening and communicating via radio transmission. With the use of his computer and mapping program, Eric guides search teams through sometimes difficult terrain to find via safe travel routes. Eric stays on the radio until a search has ended and all members are home safe.

After a search & rescue mission, Eric and another team member put together press releases for the sheriff, local TV stations and newspapers, and the FCSAR's website, to keep the community informed about search & rescue activities.