MSAR team member John Camphouse in 1983 (left) and in 1991.

Photos provided by LASD

By Mikaela STONE

John Camphouse recently celebrated his 43rd anniversary with Montrose Search and Rescue team. March marked the 2,000th rescue under his belt, a milestone only reached by one other member of the search and rescue team. 

As a teen, he looked up to the Montrose Search and Rescue team after reading about it in a 1980s newspaper. He took EMT classes at Glendale College with the intention of joining the Mammoth ski patrol. When a ski class instructor suggested he try out for Montrose Search and Rescue, as Camphouse puts it, “the rest is history.” 

On the team, Camphouse met “a group of individuals who are highly dedicated to public service, and some of my best friends.” The volunteers of the non-profit dedicate themselves to helping others while maintaining day jobs. Camphouse will be retiring at the end of the year from his job as a project manager with a Glendale contractor and the search and rescue team. 

Looking back over his years with Montrose Search and Rescue Camphouse recalled one call in particular that stuck with him. A private plane crashed near Mendenhall Peak in Sunland-Tujunga that involved four young males who took off from Whiteman Airport in Pacoima. Only one of the men was able to hike out to request help; the search and rescue team brought up the other three in litters. Camphouse found the call memorable because most small plane crashes prove fatal for the pilot and passengers; in this one all survived. 

To avoid ending up in the position where search and rescue has to be called, Camphouse advises people bring on hikes “the 10 essentials.” What these essentials are may vary from person to person, but Boy Scouts of America recommends a multitool, extra clothing for surprise weather, a first aid kit, trail food, navigation tools and sun protection. It is important for a hiker to tell someone where they are going and what their plans are, as well as hiking with a buddy or two. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. provides a hiking plan online for hikers to fill out. 

For those interested in joining the Montrose Search and Rescue team, Camphouse suggests coming to a monthly meeting of Montrose Search and Rescue. There prospective searchers can sign up to go on weekend patrols. Members of search and rescue must go to EMT school and complete mountain rescue training with SAR. Camphouse also strongly recommends attending the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. reserve academy. 

Montrose Search and Rescue was founded in 1947 by Civilian air defense members, six years after the national Civil Air Patrol began. The organization’s goal was to ensure lives could be saved without financial concerns getting in the way. 

While John Camphouse’s retirement will be a blow to the Montrose Search and Rescue team, the community can take comfort in that he will be living his best life in Texas, helping his children with projects around the house and spending lots of time with his granddaughter. He is looking forward to “[starting] to relax.”