CSU-Pueblo Search and Rescue becomes second college team

PUEBLO - Colorado State University-Pueblo will be the second higher education institution in Colorado with an active Search and Rescue Team after signing an agreement with Pueblo County to participate in the Emergency Services Bureau at the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office.

Scott Robertshaw, associate director of student recreation, had a dream to start the Search and Rescue Club more than a year ago. Throughout the spring 2016 semester, Robertshaw and six student elected officers, developed a constitution and policies, and crafted the memorandum of understanding that was signed by CSU-Pueblo President Lesley Di Mare, Robertshaw, Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor, and Pueblo County Commissioner Liane McFayden. Mark Mears, Bureau Chief of the Emergency Services Bureau, confirmed the team's status as active responders via email last week.

Students and veteran responder Robertshaw began their preparations with wilderness first aid training in the Fall of 2015 and rescue technical training during the spring 2016 semester. Fourteen students are active with the team, led by six student officers: Alex Nowakowski, a junior double majoring in civil engineering technology and construction management from Littleton, and Jorge Medina, a senior chemistry major from Pueblo, assistant team leaders; Dustin Cox, a senior communications major from Trinidad, communications officer; Kayla Bell, a senior exercise science major from Conifer, equipment officer; and Reese Irwin, a 2016 grad in economics currently working on his MBA from Cody, WY, documentation officer. All officers have been with the organization since its inception.

Robertshaw will serve as the team leader and will oversee the team and its operations as long as he is employed by CSU-Pueblo.

The Emergency Services Bureau responds to a variety of incidents each year from urban and wilderness missing person cases to weather-related or other naturally occurring events such as wildfires or floods that may endanger humans or animals.

"I am proud to have our students and CSU-Pueblo serving the community in this capacity," Robertshaw said, "But I am equally thrilled that these students will leave the University with a technical skill set to add to their portfolios and resumes."

For more information on the Search and Rescue Team, contact Robertshaw at scott.robertshaw@csupueblo.edu or 719.549.2085.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.