LEHI, UTAH (ABC 4 News) -They are called out to find missing hikers, and help people stuck on ledges, and stranded by waves in the middle of a lake. but today the Utah County Search and Rescue team got a little help of their own. the all volunteer team held a car wash to buy rescue equipment needed to do their jobs.
"Chances are you know someone who we have helped." says Shaun Roundy, from Utah County Search and Rescue. Members of the team get called out about 100 times a year. "We've got high mountains, cliffs, trails, lakes, rivers and lots of emergencies, so we cover a lot of stuff, caves too."
Their rescue tools include boats, personal watercraft, ATV'S trucks; SUV'S and even a helicopter. All are personally owned and used to save lives, but that's not this teams only contribution each member spends about five hundred hours as volunteers with no thought of pay.
"We feel very strongly about that because if people are concerned about getting a bill there’s a chance they won't call us and that could lead to disastrous consequences"
Search and rescue members are deputized by the Utah County Sheriff Department, but receive no public funding, so they raise money to pay for specialized equipment and gas.
"One thing that we can guarantee is that your donations will save lives. it's not really a question of if it's a matter of when." Although members of search and rescue spend thousands out of their own pockets every year to save others they do it willingly, and with the support of their own families.
"He absolutely loves it. its Brian’s way to give back to the community." Janeal Irving is the wife of a member of the search and rescue team. She says they are a tight knit group that shares a love of the outdoors and people. "The men are incredibly talented and capable and they are all well trained and they give and serve so much."
To help the Utah County Search and Rescue and find out more about their needs go to their website at
www.ucssar.org 
