If you're an outdoor enthusiast who can deal with challenging situations including helping people in emergencies, then Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team would like you to consider joining the team.

The Mesa County Search and Rescue Team is a group of highly trained individuals who are on call and ready to assist the Mesa County Sheriff's Office respond to emergencies around western Colorado.

On average, the team responds to 55 to 60 rescues every year including finding people lost in the mountains and carrying those injured out of areas inaccessible to other means of rescue.

To qualify, you have to complete an application, pass a background check, an interview, carry a 40 pound backpack over mountain terrain, and successfully complete a five week rescue skills training course.

If you're still reading, it likely means you or someone you know may be qualified and interested in helping people in a much needed and specialized way.

If that's the case, the first step is to fill out an application. They are available at the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at 215 Rice Street or can be downloaded from their website. Application deadline is December 29, 2018.

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