Palm Springs Search & Rescue asks community to fund new Jeep
The Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue launched a GoFundMe Monday to raise $70,000 for a new four-door Jeep. The team says the current 20 year-old vehicle is in disrepair and could possibly break down during a rescue operation.
According to the page, the PSMP-SAR says they need this essential upgrade in order to continue to successfully rescue hikers and to allow for more space to carry additional personnel to rescues.
The estimated cost to replace the Jeep and equip with modified all-terrain gear is $70,000.
“This jeep will allow PSMP-SAR to carry more personnel to the scene and do so without the fear of an ailing jeep breaking down on the way to lost and injured hikers,” according to the team’s GoFundMe page.
Palm Springs Mounted Police is an auxiliary unit of the Palm Springs Police Department. It’s a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization meaning all equipment is self-funded or donation-based and all rescue crew members serve as volunteers.
The team conducts search and rescues for injured or lost hikers, lost children and the elderly. The team carries out anywhere between 30 and 60 rescues per year, including rescues on tribal lands inclding Agua Caliente Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon.
Lost hikers or those wanting to report a lost or injured person are advised to call 911.
To view photos and videos of recent rescues, visit the team’s Facebook page here.