ANNUAL REPORT 2025

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we reflect on the past year, El Paso County Search and Rescue extends its deepest gratitude to the many individuals, agencies, and community partners who have made our work possible. As a fully volunteer-run organization with nearly 70 dedicated members, we are grateful for any support that helps us serve our community. This year, our team responded to more than 160 missions and contributed an extraordinary 27,179 volunteer hours.

Throughout the year, our volunteers were involved in some truly memorable and meaningful rescues. These included safely assisting a mother and daughter who were stuck on a cliff near the summit of Pikes Peak, rescuing an injured dog who quickly stole the hearts of many team members, and helping numerous injured or exhausted hikers on the Manitou Incline and Barr Trail. Each mission reinforced our purpose: to bring people, and sometimes their four-legged companions, home safely.

None of this work would be possible without the strong partnerships we share with our agency partners. We are grateful for the continued collaboration and trust of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Springs Fire Department, Manitou Springs Fire Department, Colorado Springs Police Department, American Medical Response, UCHealth LifeLine, Flight For Life Colorado, Ute Pass Regional Ambulance District, Barr Camp, Monument Fire District, Palmer Lake Fire Department, Green Mountain Falls/Chipeta Park and Cascade Fire Departments, the Colorado Search and Rescue Association, and the 11th ECAB of the U.S. Army Reserves. These partnerships are essential to effective, safe, and successful mission outcomes.

As we look ahead to 2026, El Paso County Search and Rescue remains firmly committed to our mission of search, rescue, and mountain safety education. We are grateful for the trust placed in our team and look forward to another year of service.

Alyssa Karpa
President
El Paso County Search and Rescue

Thank you for aiding us in our mission to save lives.
We look forward to serving our community in 2026.

DONATE TO EPCSAR

2025 RESCUE REVIEW

Calls Received

Missions

Total Mission Hours

Volunteer Hours

Average Mission Time:
2 hours 50 minutes

Busiest Day of the Week:
Sunday

Busiest Time of Day:
5:00 pm

2025 NOTABLE MISSIONS

MARCH 2025 BLIZZARD RESPONSE

On March 18 and 19, severe blizzard conditions swept across eastern El Paso County, prompting multiple requests for assistance as rapidly deteriorating weather left motorists stranded and unable to move. Our partners at Ellicott Fire Department, Tri County Fire Department, and Calhan Fire Department requested our support along Judge Orr Road and Highway 94 as vehicles became immobilized and conditions continued to worsen.

In response, our team deployed two snowcats and multiple SAR vehicles to assist with evacuations to warming shelters. Members operated through the night and into the following day, navigating whiteout conditions and deep snow to reach those in need. By the afternoon of March 19, our volunteers had assisted 61 individuals and 11 dogs, ensuring that every request for help was resolved safely.

SEARCH AND TECHNICAL RECOVERY

In June, our members responded to a search near the summit of Pikes Peak. After several days and hundreds of volunteer hours, our subject was found deceased in a tough-to-access area on the northeast side of Pikes Peak. Due to the difficult terrain, we worked with the Saint Dustoff unit of the 11th ECAB to complete a high-angle helicopter hoist recovery. This would not have been possible without the support of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the Defense Support to Civil Authorities program.

We appreciate the Saint Dustoff Unit for their professionalism, expertise, and for keeping our members safe while conducting this difficult mission. We are honored to have played a part in bringing our subject home. It was a privilege to serve his family during this difficult time.

We want to thank the following partners for making the search and recovery possible: El Paso County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Army Reserve, 11th Expenditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, 7-158th Aviation Regiment, Teller County Search and Rescue, Teller County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Search and Rescue, the Pikes Peak Highway, Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, Colorado Search and Rescue Association, and Mesa Verde Helitack.

INJURED K9 RESCUE ON HURRICANE RIDGE

In August, we rescued a severely injured dog near Old Stage Road after receiving a notification via a satellite device. The reporting party alerted us that the dog had an open fracture and significant bleeding. Our team provided immediate telemedical guidance to stabilize the injured K9 while enroute.

Upon arrival, we stabilized the dog, secured him in a litter, and safely delivered him to the trailhead for transfer to an emergency veterinary facility. Throughout this mission, our members showcased adaptability and commitment to helping those in distress, including four-legged companions.

2025 MISSION HIGHLIGHTS

FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

FEB

Incident: 8 Stranded Hikers on Pikes Peak Summit

Dates: February 22nd, 2025

Duration: 2 Hours, 28 Minutes

Response: 10 Members

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

FUNDRAISING REPORT

2025 FINANCIALS

Private Donations:
$103,152

Grants:
$78,006

Rescue Run:
$37,074

Other Events:
$40,086

2025 Year In review

REPRESENTING OUR TEAM AT SARCON

Several of our members participated in this year's SARCon, presented by Flight For Life Colorado and the Colorado Search and Rescue Association. Two of our team members presented during the conference, where they had the opportunity to share real-world perspectives about field operations and organizational leadership. Several other members attended the conference to learn from the broader search and rescue community.

Keith Lonnquist led a session titled “Trust Your Dog,” where he discussed K9 capabilities and mission support from the perspective of a first-time K9 handler. This presentation focused on what newer handlers may encounter and covered training progression, scent behavior, handler development, and K9 integration into overall search strategy. By framing K9 operations through the lens of both the handler and the team, the session highlighted how trust, communication, and planning directly influence mission effectiveness.

In a separate presentation, our President, Alyssa Karpa, alongside former Alpine Rescue Team President Woody Woodward, presented “The Non-Sexy Side of SAR.” The presentation focused on the often-overlooked administrative tasks that are critical to the success and sustainability of volunteer search and rescue teams. Key topics included the separation of operational and administrative responsibilities, effective committee structures, the role and function of auxiliary members, and approaches to fundraising. The session generated thoughtful and engaging discussion among attendees and many participants left with strategies to bring back to their teams, reinforcing the value of collaboration and shared learning within the search and rescue community.

EPCSAR AWARD BANQUET

This year's team banquet was an important event to recognize the dedication, service, and commitment of our members. The event focused on formally acknowledging our members, who give their time, skills, and energy in service to the community

The banquet celebrated a range of contributions, from field operations and training commitment to leadership, mentorship, and long-term service. Beyond individual awards, the evening highlighted how every role, from administrative to operational, contribute to mission readiness and the sustainability of our search and rescue team.

The annual banquet is more than just an event, it is a representation of our investment in team culture and retention. By intentionally recognizing service and fostering connection, we aim to strengthen morale and reinforce a shared sense of purpose. This tradition reflects our commitment to supporting the people who make search and rescue possible.

PREVENTATIVE SEARCH AND RESCUE OUTREACH

Throughout 2025, we conducted a wide range of Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) outreach efforts aimed at reducing backcountry risk through education and awareness. Team members participated in 13 outreach events throughout the year, where they engaged with community members in schools, youth programs, outdoor recreation groups, public safety events, and military units. These efforts focused on promoting preparedness, situational awareness, and informed decision-making to prevent emergencies while recreating. Through consistent outreach and education, we aim to strengthen community relationships and work proactively to reduce preventable incidents.

Interested in a Preventative Search and Rescue presentation?

We encourage any organization, business, school, or community group to reach out via email at psar@epcsar.org to schedule a PSAR presentation or outreach event with our team.

ORGANIZATIONAL WISHLIST ITEMS

RESCUE GEAR

Avalanche Shovels
Quantity: 15
Total Cost: $1,350.00

Rescue Litter
Quantity: 1
Total Cost: $5,500.00

Static Ropes
Quantity: 5 x 200ft
Total Cost: $1,250

MEDICAL TRAINING AIDS

Training Manikin
Quantity: 1
Total Cost: $1,500.00

IV Training Arm
Quantity: 2
Total Cost: $1,800

K9 UPDATE

In 2025, our K9 team members and their handlers completed 15 missions in El Paso County and beyond. These missions involved searches in challenging environments throughout the state. Regardless of the mission or the conditions, our four-legged teammates are always eager to lend a helping paw whenever and wherever needed.