In July 1970, Flathead Search and Rescue spent three days searching for the body of Bob Personett. They combed the river bank and divers searched the deep pools. Eventually, search efforts only involved daily boat trips.
For 29 days the boy's father, desperate for answers, reached out for help from friends. Dick Walsh, former Sheriff and founder of Flathead Search and Rescue, was one of those friends. He organized a group of locals and a new search began. After tearing apart three logjams, Bob's body was found by Jack Von Lindern, Don Elgin and Deputy Sheriff Ken Sorley.
From this success the group decided to organize a new search and rescue organization. This group met as a private group until 1972 when they completed incorporation papers and became a 501c(3) non-profit corporation.
Our Mission
Our mission is to aid, and to endeavor to assist in the saving of life and property in Flathead County, Montana, or elsewhere as an emergency arises.
“North Valley Search and Rescue is one of the best, most experienced search and rescue units in the country. They train, show up in the worst weather, and take time off work just to serve their community as unpaid volunteers. We are lucky to have them.”
each year…
We respond to roughly 25 Incidents
We spend over 2,252 man hours on Missions
We spend over 4,142 man hours on Trainings
25% of incidents occur in the snow
26% of incidents occur in the water
29% of incidents are Missing Persons Searches
20% of our time is on Trainings and Outreach
