SACRAMENTO, CA – The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) and Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (NCSSAR) were honored on March 26 with a Distinguished Service Award, as recognized by Assemblymember Heather Hadwick, District 01.
Assemblymember Hadwick presented the award at the California State Capitol during the Assembly Floor Session. She recognized the vital importance of rescue missions and the highly trained volunteers who respond at all hours to save lives, and commended NCSO and NCSSAR for their efforts during the Castle Peak avalanche, where six lives were ultimately saved.
“Today, we especially recognize those who responded to the tragic February avalanche near Truckee in Nevada County,” said Assemblymember Hadwick. “In the face of extreme weather, unstable snowpack, and dangerous conditions, these teams carried out a complex and urgent operation. Their swift actions led to multiple rescues, saving lives that might otherwise have been lost. … Their professionalism, courage, and seamless coordination with regional partners exemplified the very best of public service in times of crisis. Search and rescue teams do not seek recognition, yet their contributions are indispensable to public safety across our state.”
A few members of NCSO and NCSSAR were invited to stand on the Assembly Floor to be honored in person. They included Sheriff Shannan Moon; Sergeant Dustin Moe (one of two avalanche incident commanders); Grace Van Winkle (one of two 911 dispatchers who fielded avalanche distress calls/texts and radio communication); and three NCSSAR volunteers who all responded at a moment’s notice to help: Scott Montgomery (volunteered all five days of the rescue and recovery mission, plus an additional day to recover victims’ personal property); Alexis Dunn (volunteered four days of the rescue and recovery mission); and Josiah Boning (volunteered three days of the rescue and recovery mission). As many as 27 NCCSAR volunteers helped per day. Additional staff and volunteers involved with the avalanche had an opportunity to view the award showing from an upper gallery.
“We are humbled by this recognition and honored to accept this award on behalf of every individual and mutual aid partner who had a direct hand in the Castle Peak avalanche response, which required considerable collaboration and partnership,” said Sheriff Shannan Moon. “We are thankful for our partners and remain committed to serving our community with unwavering dedication to public safety.”