05/08/2026
This afternoon, the Jerome Fire Department responded as mutual aid alongside our partner agencies throughout the Verde Valley to a technical rope rescue in Sycamore Canyon after the initial response by Verde Valley Fire District.
An individual had fallen from a cliff and remained stranded for more than six hours before being located. Fortunately, nearby passersby heard the individual calling for help and immediately contacted 911.
Upon arrival, rescue personnel navigated difficult terrain to reach the patient. Medics on scene stabilized the individual while technical rescue teams established a rope system to safely extricate the patient from the canyon. Once removed from the scene, the patient was transported to a waiting helicopter for advanced medical care.
Our thoughts are with the patient and their family during this difficult time. We hope for a speedy recovery from this traumatic incident.
We would like to thank all agencies and personnel involved for their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication during this complex rescue operation. We also extend our gratitude to the Good Samaritans whose quick actions and call to 911 played a critical role in the successful outcome of this incident.
Agencies Involved:
• Verde Valley Fire District
• Jerome Fire Department
• Cottonwood Fire and Medical
• Copper Canyon Fire & Medical District
• U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement
• Jerome Police Department
• Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)
• Native Air
• Verde Search and Rescue
• Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO)
