KELSEYVILLE >> The Kelseyville Community Organization for Rescue and Public Service, or K-CORPS, is a 2-year program where students are trained in search and rescue techniques. Students are elected based on strict criterion and academic abilities. They work with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and are on call 24-7, 365 days a year. K-CORPS members meet daily to train. This student organization is often deployed by the Sheriff’s office during times of need. Samples of K-CORPS duties include evidence searches, traffic control and missing person searches.
The members are trained in high angle rope rescue, map and compass, GPS, search techniques, evidence search and recovery, and are certified in Emergency Medical Response.
“These students have self initiative, dedication, and commitment that is outstanding,” instructor and coordinator Joanie Holt said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the maturity and skill level that these young adults display. They take what they do very seriously and it shows especially when they are in service. It’s impressive what they can do.”
First year member Molly Jeffers said, “You learn responsibility and accountability.” Abby McQueen states that, “K-CORPS is a great program that helps you develop great leadership skills.”
In the recent months, two local rescues utilized the services of K-CORPS. Noah Finch recalls that a family called the Sheriff’s department because a woman was missing for some time. After an extensive search and returning to base camp, member Kyle Schmidt noticed her over the side of a cliff.
“We set up a lowering system to get a medic to her location and then a CHP helicopter flew her out of the ravine,” Finch added. “It was awesome to watch the helicopter hovering right in front of us.”
Luis Acosta remembers a recent call out in Boggs Forest on Cobb Mountain, saying, “We got a call around 9 p.m. and later arrived on the scene of a woman who had been missing for a couple of hours. We divided into teams and due to our efforts, along with Lake County Search and Rescue, we were able to find our missing person before conditions got worse.”
K-CORPS members often find themselves in serious situation which requires absolute trust. Students in this organization create lifelong friendships. When other juniors and seniors are leaving school for the day, K-CORPS members are just beginning their after school training. Learn more about the K-CORPS by visiting their website at http://www.lakesheriff.com/ServicesPrograms/sar/K-CORPS.htm.
