MSAR Celebrated at CV Park - Crescenta Valley Weekly

Supporters of MSAR were able to see a new addition to the team – the team rescue vehicle – which was on display at the park.

By Mary O’KEEFE

On Saturday, Crescenta Valley Park was crowded with folks eager to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the Montrose Search and Rescue (MSAR) team. MSAR team members are volunteers who are available 24/7 to respond to lost hikers, traffic collisions, fire, flood and everything in between.

Several dignitaries were part of the day’s festivities including Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger who shared the celebration of 75 years of service to the community. Barger said as a hiker she advised everyone who present who hikes to “stay on the trail.”

“These [MSAR members] are people who have jobs,” Barger said. “They are medical professionals and they work in offices but they are doing this just to give back to the community.”

State Senator Anthony Portantino also recognized the MSAR and presented a proclamation from the California State Senate. Mary Hovagimian, representative for Congressman Adam Schiff, read from a proclamation the congressman read into the U.S. congressional record on Sept. 13 honoring MSAR.

“I rise today to honor the Montrose Search and Rescue team in Montrose, California upon its 75^th anniversary,” Hovagimian read.

The proclamation shared the history of MSAR and how it is one of the most active of the eight search and rescue teams affiliated with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.

“These volunteer heroes, who come from a variety of professions, serve their community without asking for anything in exchange. They search through rubble, scale cliff sides and brave surging waters to save lives. Their selfless dedications and invaluable service provide a model for all of us and deserve recognition,” Hovagimian read.

Saturday’s event was planned by MSAR members Robert Sheedy and Cindy England.

“We are just so pleased with the turnout and the support of the community, the first responders and our vendors,” said England. “We’re just so pleased.”

“We didn’t know what to expect,” added Sheedy. “We’re so grateful to the many people, like Steve Pierce, who helped us put this together. We weren’t sure how many people would show up but we’re delighted with the results.”

The last big event – commemorating the team’s 70^th anniversary – was held five years ago at Newcomb’s Ranch in Angeles National Forest; however, the pair said they might not wait another five years to host another celebration.

“Maybe we’ll have another event next year,” Sheedy said.

Team members pay for their own uniforms and equipment. For those who were not able to attend the celebration at CV Park but would still like to support MSAR, visit montrosesar.org and click the Donate button. To send a check, make it payable to Montrose SAR and mail it to P.O. Box 404, Montrose, California 91020.

Photos by Robin GOLDSWORTHY, Mary O’KEEFE, Bob PRAUN and Charly SHELTON