On July 13th 2015, at 5:30 in the evening, 40 people turned out for a search and rescue exercise in the Pembina Gorge. Responders set up command at the trail head to the North Dakota Park & Recreation, off-highway vehicle trail system ,
Responder departments included, Walhalla Fire, Langdon Fire and Rescue, ND Park and Recreation, ND Game and Fish, U.S. Border Patrol, Langdon and Walhalla EMS, Pembina County Emergency Communications (HAM radio). The responders were tasked with locating a missing person, in rugged terrain, with little to no communication between them.
The exercise was extremely successful since all of us walked away having learned from it, along with an appreciation of what each group can bring to an emergency. The “victim” a mannequin, was found within two hours, with an additional 1/2 hour extrication from the gorge. Very hard work on a hot evening. Thank you to all of the hard working people that serve our citizens, and a big shout out to the Dakotas Region, Red Cross, for your support, hydration and food. Thank you!