North Valley Search and Rescue

08/15/2026

Great work Vito!

This picture highlights the importance of tracking for our unit.

During this incident, K9 Vito and his handler responded to assist Montana Highway Patrol with locating a suspect who fled on foot after a pursuit. At night in total darkness, Vito was able to track to the suspect who was found hiding under a camper, where he ultimately surrendered. Even the suspect was complimenting the dog’s abilities at the conclusion of the incident.

This is a small example of how important a tracking profile is for our K9 partners. By increasing our ability to locate suspects, we increase safety to our community.

08/08/2026

07/27/2026

An interagency review concluded that Anthony Pollio, a 33-year-old solo hiker from Florida, was killed on May 3 after he surprised an adult male grizzly bear while descending the Mount Brown Lookout trail, likely in darkness.

📖 Full story: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2026/07/24/report-details-fatal-glacier-park-grizzly-bear-attack/

07/04/2026

Yesterday we took a small boat crew to investigate an abandoned boat stuck in a log jam. The boat was recovered by the time we arrived and taken to Glacier Rim. We put in at Glacier Rim and drove our jet boat up river and dropped a few swifties off on river boards and made our way down. By the looks of the fishing cat, it had been out there for quite some time.

We’re always happy to check things out! Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

06/29/2026

Some days the words to say are extremely difficult to write, and today is one of those days.

Today marks 10 years since U.S. Forest Service Officer Brad Treat lost his life after an unexpected grizzly bear encounter while riding his bicycle near his home.

Brad dedicated his life to public service and to the forests and wild places he loved. His loss was felt throughout our community, and especially by those who had the privilege of calling him a friend.

Today, the members of Hungry Horse Volunteer Fire Department remember Brad, honor his service, and reflect on the friendships and lasting impact he left behind.

Gone, but never forgotten.

06/25/2026

Our Swiftwater team had plans to train tonight on the Middle Fork but decided to change gears and fetch a stuck kayak on the North Fork between the culvert and ledge. We were happy to get out some ropes and practice some swiftwater formations. We had a successful good time!

06/10/2026

06/02/2026

Congratulations Carmel!

Congratulations to new Basic Tracker Carmel Johnston of North Valley Search and Rescue, Montana. She will be a great asset to our training program. Welcome aboard, Carmel. :)