Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

This press release includes audio
PR #: 1400067
Date Issued: Jul 08, 2014 - 8:39am

Sheriff's RAVEN helicopter and HASTY Team volunteer rescue downed paraglider from mountains above Marlette Lake (with video)

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office RAVEN helicopter successfully rescued an injured paraglider who had gone down in the steep mountainous terrain above Marlette Lake late Saturday evening.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Dispatch Center initially received a call from the injured paraglider himself at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2014. The paraglider said that he had gone down in the area of Herlon Peak above Sand Harbor.

Approximately 20 Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team volunteers responded, along with units from the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. Search and Rescue volunteers headed toward the location of the paraglider on foot but due to the location and condition of the victim, RAVEN was immediately requested.

The RAVEN crew, along with a Search and Rescue HASTY Team volunteer responded. As they approached the area, the RAVEN crew made cellphone contact with the victim and were able to locate him between two sharp peaks at the 8,000 foot level.

The HASTY Team volunteer was lowered to the victim along with a backboard and litter. Working in very steep, rugged terrain, the HASTY Team volunteer singlehandedly secured the paraglider into the litter and the victim was successfully hoisted into the RAVEN helicopter.

RAVEN then brought the paraglider to the Ponderosa Ranch parking area for transfer to Careflight.

"Our volunteers and staff continually prepare by putting in thousands of hours of training every year for just this type of incident," Assistant Sheriff Darin Balaam said. "Training we'd prefer never having to use, but we know will be critical to saving lives when the call comes and our response is needed."

For video of the rescue provided by the RAVEN crew, please use the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXPXbL6hYt8&feature=youtu.be


The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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