Since 1948
Cowboys & Farmers
In the lmid 1940s, local horsemen would band together to search for fellow cowboys and farmers who were either missing or injured in the back country of Ventura County. The local group was approached by the Sheriff of Ventura County and in 1946 "The Fillmore Search and Rescue Team" was formally organized and sanctioned by the Sheriff's Department. This made Fillmore the FIRST Search and Rescue Team in the County.
Horses & Jeeps
Most searches were conducted on horseback because of the rough terrain. In areas where vehicles could be utilized, the members would use their own four-wheel drive trucks.
SAR Beginnings
In the late 1950s, the Sheriff's Department augmented these privately owned vehicles with surplus military four-wheel drive vehicles. On occasion, when horses could not access the victim, a helicopter would be contracted with Rotor Aids of Ventura. In the Early 1970s, the Sheriff's Department formed its own Air Unit, and Search and Rescue began to acquire newer vehicles and equipment, supplied by the Sheriff's Department.
Notable Searches
The Fillmore Search and Rescue Team has been instrumental in numerous critical operations, showcasing their dedication, expertise, and bravery. From the challenging search for firefighter Mike Herdman in the rugged Sespe Wilderness to the extensive efforts during the devastating Thomas Fire and the Montecito mudslides, the team has consistently demonstrated their ability to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies. These events highlight the team’s commitment to saving lives and providing crucial support to the community in times of need. Their tireless efforts and unwavering resolve have made a significant impact, earning them recognition and respect within Ventura County and beyond. Here are some of the most important searches and operations our team has been part of:
Naya Rivera
The search and rescue efforts for actress Naya Rivera, who went missing at Lake Piru, were extensive and involved multiple agencies. Rivera, known for her role on the TV show “Glee,” disappeared on July 8, 2020, during a boating trip with her 4-year-old son. Her son was found alone on the rented pontoon boat, prompting a large-scale search operation.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office led the search, utilizing divers, helicopters, drones, and sonar equipment to scour the lake and surrounding areas. The search transitioned from a rescue to a recovery operation as days passed without finding Rivera. Tragically, her body was discovered on July 13, 2020, bringing closure to the intense and challenging search efforts. The incident highlighted the dangers of Lake Piru and led to increased calls for safety measures at the popular recreation site.
Montecito Mudslides
The Montecito mudslides occurred on January 9, 2018, following heavy rainfall on the burn-scarred hillsides left by the Thomas Fire. The intense rain triggered massive mud and debris flows that devastated the community, resulting in the deaths of 23 people and significant property damage (https://www.directrelief.org/2019/01/montecito-mudslides-one-year-recovery/) (https://news.caloes.ca.gov/montecito-mudslides-anniversary-reflections-through-images/).
Search and rescue efforts were extensive and involved multiple agencies, including local fire departments, urban search and rescue teams, and the National Guard. Rescuers faced challenging conditions, with unstable terrain and large amounts of mud and debris making access difficult [1] (https://www.directrelief.org/2019/01/montecito-mudslides-one-year-recovery/) [2] (https://news.caloes.ca.gov/montecito-mudslides-anniversary-reflections-through-images/). They used a combination of ground teams, canine units, and helicopters to search for survivors and recover victims. The efforts transitioned from search and rescue to search and recovery as the days progressed [2] (https://news.caloes.ca.gov/montecito-mudslides-anniversary-reflections-through-images/).
Organizations like Direct Relief played a crucial role in supporting these efforts by providing essential equipment, financial assistance, and medical supplies to both rescuers and affected residents [1] (https://www.directrelief.org/2019/01/montecito-mudslides-one-year-recovery/). The coordinated response highlighted the dedication and bravery of the emergency personnel involved in this tragic event.
Thomas Fire
The Thomas Fire, which started on December 4, 2017, and burned through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, was one of the largest wildfires in California’s history. The search and rescue efforts during this fire were extensive and involved multiple agencies, including the Ventura County Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and various local law enforcement agencies.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from the path of the fire, often under dangerous conditions. They used helicopters, fire engines, and ground teams to reach isolated areas and ensure that everyone was safely evacuated. In addition to evacuations, search and rescue teams also conducted welfare checks on residents who chose to stay behind, ensuring they had the necessary resources to survive the fire.
The efforts of these teams were critical in minimizing the loss of life and ensuring the safety of thousands of residents. The coordination and bravery displayed by the search and rescue personnel during the Thomas Fire exemplify the dedication and resilience of emergency responders in the face of natural disasters.
Herdman Search
The search and rescue efforts for firefighter Mike Herdman at the Sespe Wilderness were extensive and challenging. Mike Herdman, an Arcadia firefighter, went missing on June 13, 2014, after chasing his dog, Duke, during a camping trip with fellow firefighter Tyler Byars. The search involved over 100 rescuers from various agencies, including canine units and helicopter crews, covering more than 50 square miles of rugged terrain.
Despite the difficult conditions, including heat exhaustion and injuries among the searchers, the team persisted. Tragically, Herdman’s body was found on June 27, 2014, about 1,200 feet above the Sespe River Bottom. The discovery was made by a helicopter crew who noticed something unusual in the terrain. Herdman was identified through dental records, and it was determined that he may have fallen while trying to climb a cliff in the dark.
The search and rescue efforts highlighted the dedication and bravery of the rescuers, who faced significant risks to bring closure to Herdman’s family and colleagues.
Megan Barroso
The search and rescue efforts for Megan Barroso, a 20-year-old woman from Moorpark, California, were extensive and involved multiple agencies. Megan went missing on July 5, 2001, after her car was found abandoned and shot at near a highway interchange. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department led the search, which included combing areas like Wheeler Canyon, Balcom Canyon, and Steckel Park.
The search efforts were supported by the Ventura County K9 Search and Rescue team, which played a crucial role in locating Megan’s body after a month-long search. Tragically, Megan was found deceased, and it was later determined that she had been murdered. The case drew significant attention, and a reward was offered for information leading to her recovery.
These efforts highlight the dedication and persistence of the search and rescue teams in Ventura County, who worked tirelessly to bring closure to Megan’s family and the community.
