Unified Fire Authority and Salt Lake County Sheriff’s (UPD) Search and Rescue have worked together for many years. With the changes in the recreation habits and the growing numbers of civilians having access to various activities in the Canyons and Cities we serve, the needs and expectations of the general public have changed dramatically. Sheriff Winder coming into office instigated many changes and the way we operated with the Search and Rescue component needed some changes. The Public Safety aspects of both Agencies have required an “All Hazards” approach to many of our joint operations.

Some of these “All Hazards” have come to include, sending hasty teams with medical equipment to the “Back Country” or off road incidents to stabilize patients while the Search and Rescue Team of UPD Officers and Volunteers assemble to retrieve the patient from whatever situation they are in. Expanding to Swift Water and Water Rescue from fast moving water in rivers and streams or standing water in ponds and reservoirs within our response district.

Ice Rescue for the potential victims recreating on frozen ponds or reservoirs during winter months. A Rescue Dive Team is in the process of training so we will have the capability of rescuing someone finding themselves under water.

Avalanche Training for our Stations located in the Canyons and those who cover Canyon responses.