The new system, called the Communicator! NXT, will use the internet to alert Search and Rescue (SAR) members of an emergency call wherever they are by sending a message to their cell phone, PDA, email, pager, fax, work and home phones.

"The Communicator! NXT is a real improvement because no matter where I am, at home or on vacation, I will be able to send the emergency messages from my phone to all the electronic devices that the SAR members use for communication," said Sgt. David Noland, 52, who has been a part of the posse since 1987 when the pager system was still new.

The average response time for a SAR member to gear-up and start heading toward the rescue location is about 30 minutes, said 25-year SAR veteran Raul Limon, 55.  The Communicator! NXT should cut the response time.

Even though SAR has been technologically disadvantaged, they were still able to complete 67 missions and save 37 lives in fiscal year 2009.

This effort earned SAR the Cochise County Sheriff's Department unit citation, which was awarded to them by Sheriff Larry A. Dever on Dec. 9, 2009.

"This is very unique for a volunteer posse to receive this type of award," said SAR manager Tom Huntoon, 61, a member since 1999.

As of Jan. 25, SAR has only received five call-outs, but actual missions haven't been necessary.  The average call-out usually pertains to campers or hunters who didn't return home on time and decided to stay out a couple more days.

"Their families become worried and call us," Limon said. "I expect a lot of calls after snow storms like this last one because hikers will go out and find thawing bodies of Mexican immigrants that were trying to pass through the mountain."

In case of emergency rescues, the posse has multiple vehicles ready for deployment throughout the county.  Sierra Vista has two trucks and two ATVs, and trucks in Benson, Wilcox and Hereford.  They also have access to rescue helicopters in Tucson and Phoenix.

"It usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes for the helicopter to reach Sierra Vista from Tucson, and they usually reach the location before we do," Noland said.

Currently the Cochise County SAR is made up of five deputies and 40 volunteers. There are different categories that volunteers can fall under depending on training and experience.  The most technically trained groups are the rope rescue, swift water, diving, mounted and helicopter teams.

"Good training leads to effective rescues. What we used to do in three days, we can now do in eight hours," Huntoon said.

March will be the 29th anniversary of SAR in Cochise County and it is the only one of its kind in Arizona.  The Cochise County SAR is different from other SAR groups because they work with the sheriff's department. Later this year SAR wants to expand with more technical cave training and step up the tracking standards to improve all volunteers' skills.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer with SAR can visit the Cochise County government website and upload the application.

Search and rescue safety tips

• Remember to tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

• Learn how to use a map, compass and GPS and take them with you.

• Have something with you to signal for help such as a mirror or
flashlight.

• Bring a jacket to prevent hypothermia just in case the weather turns cold.

• Wear brightly colored clothing so you can be easily seen.

• Bring high-energy food as well as a supply of water.

• Bring your medication if applicable.

• Learn how to build a shelter, make a fire without matches, signal for help, search for food, conserve your energy, and keep warm or cool.

• Never travel alone, it is best to travel in a group of three.

• While hiking, look back periodically to identify landmarks for the return trip.

• Stay on the trail while hiking

• Leave your car where it can be located easily and leave a note on the dash telling a possible rescuer your intended route.