By IAN MINIELLY
Ironwood - Gogebic Range Health Foundation Program Director Andrea Newby said the organization has donated $8,000 to the Gogebic County Search and Rescue "to ensure the safety and wellness of our residents."
Newby said the GRHF was "excited to fund the grant proposal."
The grant is for equipment to help further outfit the local SAR team.
Jon Brown, GCSAR chairman, set out the new equipment on a table and went article by article, demonstrating how it is a great improvement over the existing team equipment. It is both lighter and more functional than the prior equipment.
The grant from the GRHF provides:
-More than 600 feet of new rappelling ropes.
-More than 300 feet of new lashing.
-Three full rappelling harnesses.
-New locking carabiners that are lighter and easier to use.
-New single pulleys that are lighter and easier to use.
-Three new backpacks with full outfitting of survival and rescue gear.
-A total of ten 90-degree rotating LED lights.
-Three new Garmin GPS units.
-A new rescue triangle seat for recovery operations.
-A replacement pulley system that is easier, lighter and provides more simple use than the old one.
-Self-adjusting "C" collars for neck injuries and stabilization that will even fit kids.
Brown said if anyone is interested in joining the SAR team, the potential members can pick up applications from the Gogebic County Sheriff's Department.