Davis County Sheriff's Search and Rescue

05/10/2025

Missing Hang Glider Located Safely in Holbrook Canyon

On Thursday, May 8th, at approximately 7:00 PM, Davis County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded to a report of a missing hang glider. Along with a group, the man had launched from the "V" launch site in Centerville in the early afternoon, around 1:00–1:30 PM. The intended landing location was in Drapper, but strong winds took the man off the intended route and into the mountains.

After a rough landing, he was able to make a call for help, but did not know his exact location .

Dispatch was able to use cellular data to estimate his location, which led search and rescue teams to deploy from the Bountiful B staging area.
The terrain in Holbrook Canyon was challenging, but multiple teams worked together to locate the man. He was eventually found and able to walk out with SAR personnel.

We’re happy to report there were no injuries reported to us at this time. We're grateful for the teamwork and quick action that led to a successful outcome.

02/01/2025

A huge thank you to Half Face Blades and Winkler Knives for their generous donations to our Davis County Sheriff's Search and Rescue appreciation dinner raffle. Your expertly crafted knives were the grand prizes, and we're proud to have such high-quality pieces in the hands of two deserving individuals:
Brad Burgess, who won the knife from Half Face Blades, and Jared Howes, who took home the knife from Winkler Knives. Your support means the world to us and helps us continue to serve our community with pride.

01/23/2025

Davis County Sheriff Kelly Sparks has officially sworn in David Johnson as our new Mountain Team Leader and Andrew Beal as the Assistant Mountain Team Leader.

These titles are more than just recognition—they represent an unwavering commitment to our team and to individuals who may find themselves in need of help.

David and Andrew have shown exceptional leadership, dedication, and expertise. Their roles are vital in ensuring our operations run smoothly and that every search and rescue mission is carried out with the highest level of skill and care.

Join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved achievement

01/04/2025

Team Training - Missing Person Scenario

This morning’s snowfall not only added to the beauty of Farmington Canyon, but gave us a great opportunity to train in different conditions.

The scenario - locate a missing person with very limited information about the individual. Two teams of four were deployed in separate directions. Team members searched for clues such as footprints, clothing, and debris.

Once our missing person was located (our beloved team mannequin), a rope system was established to remove the rubber body from the hillside.

Mock training scenarios are important for our team. Allowing our skilled volunteers a chance to hone their skills helps everyone gain confidence in themselves. Stay safe out there.

10/23/2024

Found!

MISSING HIKER

UPDATE: 10/23/2024-11 a.m. - Wes has been found safe.

Davis County Sheriff's Search and Rescue along with Layton City Police Department and DPS, are searching for 64-year-old Wes Whitnah, an overdue hiker. Wes spoke to his spouse around 7 p.m. on Tuesday indicating that he had gone farther than he anticipated but was making his way back. He was reported to be between Thurston Peak and Fernwood. He is wearing jeans, boots, a plaid shirt with a blue Columbia jacket, and a hat.

Anyone who may have seen Wes between 7 p.m. Tuesday and this morning is asked to call Davis Dispatch at 801-451-4150 with leads.

10/23/2024

MISSING HIKER

UPDATE: 10/23/2024-11 a.m. - Wes has been found safe.

Davis County Sheriff's Search and Rescue along with Layton City Police Department and DPS, are searching for 64-year-old Wes Whitnah, an overdue hiker. Wes spoke to his spouse around 7 p.m. on Tuesday indicating that he had gone farther than he anticipated but was making his way back. He was reported to be between Thurston Peak and Fernwood. He is wearing jeans, boots, a plaid shirt with a blue Columbia jacket, and a hat.

Anyone who may have seen Wes between 7 p.m. Tuesday and this morning is asked to call Davis Dispatch at 801-451-4150 with leads.

09/17/2024

Want to serve your community all while leaning life-saving skills and work side by side with amazing people?

Our volunteer search and rescue team is seeking new members to join us in 2025. Conditions and qualifications can be found at the application link below.

Please submit your application by October 15th. If you have already submitted an application, you don't need to submit another one. Details will be sent to the contact information provided in the application.

https://www.dcsar.org/become-a-volunteer

Davis County Sheriff's Office

09/02/2024

9/2/24 - Centerville, UT

Broken leg on the Deuel Creek Trail.

At 10:30 a.m., Davis County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue was dispatched to the Deuel Creek South Trailhead. A 38 year old female was enjoying a Labor Day hike with her family when she lost her balance and fell. The fall caused a break in her leg, she was unable to hike out without assistance.

Along side South Davis Metro Fire, our crews quickly made their way to the patient. She was conscious and breathing but in a lot of pain.

After assessing the situation, it was determined the best course of action would be to transport her down the trail on a litter.

Deuel Creek has multiple sections requiring extra rope support while transporting patients on a litter. Before moving the woman, these systems were put in place to ensure the quickest evacuation possible.

In the end, it took several hours to get the female back to the trailhead where an ambulance was awaiting her arrival. She was transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment for her injuries.

09/01/2024

8/31/24 - BOUNTIFUL, UT

Injured dirt biker rescued.

At 8:16 pm on Saturday evening, Davis County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue was dispatched to the Bountiful Staging area below the Bountiful B to a report of an injured dirt bike rider. A 30 year old male was riding his dirt bike on Skyline Drive and accidentally drove his bike off a steep embankment. The man’s friend saw the accident and climbed down to help.

The victim was trapped 125 feet down the mountain on a rocky hillside. During his crash, he sustained serious injuries including a broken leg and multiple lacerations.

South Davis Metro Fire Department arrived on scene first. Quickly, they assembled a rope system and made their way to the injured biker who was conscious and breathing.

Davis County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue called for a helicopter evacuation of the victim. Utah Department of Public Safety had been monitoring the situation and quickly arrived on scene.

The man was hoisted from the mountain side to a staging area. Paramedics with South Davis Metro transported him via ambulance from the Bountiful bench to a local hospital.

A second rope rescue system was setup by DCSAR to assist the man’s friend.

08/11/2024

Off-roading trails in Davis County were conquered today to raise money for our team.

The Davis County Search & Rescue was honored to participate in the 2024 Young Powersports XL SXS Poker Run.

Our volunteers maned booths at Young Powersports XL in Centerville as well as the event route. We not only dealt playing cards but shared valuable life-saving information.

All proceeds from today’s event will benefit Davis County Search & Rescue. Thank you so much to Young Powesports XL and our volunteers for all they do.

04/21/2024

UPDATE: 4:21 p.m. - Tobias has been found safe. He has a few scratches and was very hungry and happy to accept a sandwich and a phone to call family, but otherwise in good spirits. Tobias took a wrong turn and found himself three canyons away from the Fernwood Trailhead. We appreciate all the help!

If you've been in the Fernwood Trail area anytime between Friday evening and this afternoon, and have information on this overdue hiker, please call Davis Dispatch at 801-451-4150.

4:21 p.m. - Tobias has been found safe. He has a few scratches and was very hungry and happy to accept a sandwich and a phone to call family, but otherwise in good spirits. Tobias took a wrong turn and found himself three canyons away from the Fernwood Trailhead. We appreciate all the help!

UPDATE 2:05 pm- We’re still searching for Tobias. We currently have 40 SAR members on the mountain searching, along with helicopter assistance. We’ve been asked if there is a need for volunteers. Conditions at higher elevation in this area are challenging and dangerous. We have asked for assistance from other SAR teams in the area and do not need additional volunteers. Thank you.

The Davis County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue is attempting to locate 25-year-old Tobias Braaten who was reported as an overdue hiker yesterday evening.

We’re are asking hikers who were on the Fernwood Trail between Friday evening and Saturday evening to call Davis Dispatch at 801-451-4150 if they had any sightings of him.