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Sheriff: county accepts donated 2025 rescue truck to expand search‑and‑rescue capacity
Summary
The board unanimously accepted a donated 2025 Ford Super Duty truck for county Search and Rescue operations funded by local foundations, volunteers and grants. Sheriff Brett Axland said SAR volunteers run roughly 125–150 missions a year, donate about 12,000 volunteer hours annually and credited donors for enabling a purpose‑built vehicle for remote
The Board of Supervisors unanimously accepted a donated 2025 Ford F‑350 Super Duty configured for technical rescue and personnel transport to the Coconino County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) program.
Sheriff Brett Axland introduced SAR volunteers and said the recent increase in backcountry recreation (technical canyoneering, climbing, overlanding) has raised demand for vehicles configured for remote access and equipment transport. He thanked major donors (Del Webb Foundation, Joshua Foundation, core construction, SAR volunteer donations and local organizations) and described annual SAR averages: 125–150 missions, roughly 12,000 volunteer hours and about 184 people assisted per year (roughly 10% classified as life‑saves).
Action: Supervisor Vasquez moved to accept the vehicle donation; Supervisor Ontiveros seconded; the board voted unanimously in favor.
Why it matters: The truck is intended to improve response to technical rescues and remote incidents and sustain volunteer operations. The sheriff noted the vehicle was custom built with donated funds and that SAR is internationally accredited in mountain and technical rescue techniques.
Sources: Sheriff's presentation at the work session and gift acceptance motion recorded in the meeting minutes.
