In Southwest Colorado, a new vehicle is now available for search and rescue crews to use for their operations that take place in the deep backcountry.
According to a report by the Durango Herald, the new vehicle is a former military truck that has been modified to ride on the tracks of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Check out the truck here.
More Recreation Leads To More Rescues
The Animas River Canyon has recreation rising, which leads to an increase in the need for emergency rescues on the far stretch of isolated backcountry. The remote backcountry has little access routes excluding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad locomotives that travel to Silverton from the Rockwood Station, which is around 18 miles north from Durango.
Over many years, the Sheriff of San Juan County Bruce Conrad has stated that he has wanted his department to get a vehicle they could run on the railroad tracks. The vehicle could help the rescue crews get to the people who need to be rescued quicker.
The remote backcountry has barely any roads to be seen, which is why it is necessary to have a shortcut so they can access the place with less difficulty.
Fortunately for the San Juan County's Search and Rescue team, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad gave the team a Haflinger military vehicle. The military vehicle is like a miniature Volkswagen bus and it's outfitted so that it can ride on the railroad tracks.
With the military vehicle, the response time of the search and rescue team will be significantly reduced for operations that take place in that region.
Read more here
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