01/27/2026
🚨 Land Rescue – White Rock Acres Trail 🚨
January 26, 2026
On the evening of January 26, 2026, at approximately 1745 hours, Monroe Fire Company, Citizens Fire Company 36, and Cumberland Goodwill EMS were dispatched to White Rock Acres Trail for a reported injured hiker. The hiker had fallen at the lookout, sustaining a significant lower-leg injury, and was located approximately one hour hiking distance from the main parking area.
Command was established at the trailhead, and due to the remote location and hazardous conditions, additional resources were requested. UTV 25 and UTV 136 were deployed to move personnel and equipment as close to the patient as possible. Team 4400 assisted with drone operations, which helped locate the patient and provided critical lighting for crews operating in the wooded terrain.
Responders faced bitter cold temperatures, deep snow, and icy, slippery conditions, making access extremely difficult and dangerous. Once crews reached the patient and completed an assessment, it was determined that a ground evacuation would pose a serious risk to both the patient and rescuers.
Cumberland County Department of Public Safety coordinated air-rescue resources. Maryland State Police Trooper 3 initially responded from Frederick, MD, but was unable to complete the extraction due to weather and equipment issues. DPS continued working to secure air support, and Maryland State Police Trooper 1 responded from Baltimore.
Trooper 1 successfully lowered a rescue technician and equipment to the patient’s location. The patient was packaged and secured into a rescue basket, then safely lifted from the mountain while the helicopter maintained a hover. The patient was flown to a local hospital for further treatment.
Fresh crews were rotated in to assist initial responders with a safe exit from the mountain. All personnel cleared the trail by 2255 hours. EMS evaluated all responders for cold exposure—no injuries were reported. Thanks, Company 36, for the hot chocolate!
⚠️ Trail Safety Reminder:
Deep snow and icy conditions continue to make the area extremely dangerous. Those planning to use the trails are urged to use extreme caution. Fortunately, the hiker was well prepared for the conditions, allowing this incident to end as a successful rescue rather than a recovery.
👏 Thank you to all assisting agencies:
Citizens Fire Company 36
New Kingstown Fire Company 33
Union Fire Company 41
Northeast Fire & Rescue 20
Northern York Fire Rescue 15
Cumberland Goodwill EMS
Team 4400 North Middleton Fire Company 39
Hampden Township Fire Company 30 (standby at Station 25)
Fire Police from Upper Allen 23, Carlisle Borough 3, New Kingstown 33, and Silver Springs 31
Maryland State Police Trooper 3 and Trooper 1
Cumberland County Department of Public Safety IMT & Communications Center
Monroe Township Public Works
🚒🚁 Outstanding teamwork and coordination by all involved.
