*** Accollades for Juneau Support Team ***

From: Bruce_Bowler@dot.state.ak.us (Bruce Bowler)
Subject: Thanks
To: kirk_radach@law.state.ak.us
Date: OCt 7th 1997

SEADOGS
PO Box 244
Juneau, Ak. 99802

To:
Kirk Radach,
SEADOGS

This is a letter of appreciation for volunteer services provided by 
you and your search dog "Minnie" on the night of October 4 and 5th, 
1997.  

Saturday night you were called out to assist in the search for 2 
overdue female mountain climbers, one of whom was reported to be 
injured. The weather was cold with heavy rain, sleet and snow 
throughout the night, and many of the previous rescuers were being 
pulled out of the field due to hypothermia and exhaustion.    

You were assigned to call out JSAR (JD High School's SAR support team) 
and Mark, and to lead a JSAR team and Forest Service guide as part of 
the second hasty search.  Your team did not have the opportunity of 
finding the victim, but you supported the EMS effort and the technical 
rescue and recovery of the 2 injured females with the same enthusiasm 
that we have grown to rely upon as your team members. Your efforts 
of providing warm fluids to Ann Gibson probably saved her life.

Your assignments were carried out thoroughly and reliably. You 
handled gear, treated hypothermia, advised other team members on the 
mountain, and acted as the primary communications link between 
Incident Command and the rescue team during a very dark, very cold, 
and very dangerous night.  You assisted with loading the victims, and 
helped with the debriefing after the search. You and your team acted 
professionally and competently, and conducted themselves as strong 
members of the overall team effort during the search.    

Good job.  You made it happen.  
Thanks Kirk!

Bruce Bowler
Incident Commander

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