Last weekend, the Cortez Fire Protection District donated medical supplies to the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office’s mounted search and rescue unit.
The donation officially took place on April 14 during the Cortez Gun Show the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. The agencies involved point to the act as an example of interdepartment collaboration they say is common right now.
“It is important for all public safety agencies to work together,” Fire Chief Jay Balfour said in a news release. “The more we work together, the better we can serve the people of Montezuma County.”
The mounted unit was founded in 2015 as a way to assist with crowd patrol, improve search and rescue capabilities and help with public relations. In the backcountry especially, the mounted unit can ride to access regions inaccessible to other agencies and take immediate emergency measures.
According to fire and sheriff’s officials, the mounted unit has saved five lives since it was founded.
The supplies donated included items used for first aid to more advanced trauma care.
“I just really appreciate the support of the fire department and the community at large for this program,” said Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin.
The Sheriff’s Office is looking to secure funds for a stretcher that can help the mounted unit carry out someone who is not able to ride on horseback, according to Detective Yvonne McClellan.
ealvero@the-journal.com