Mineral County, Nevada: The Nevada Department of Wildlife Law Enforcement Division has donated one of their patrol boats to the Mineral County Search and Rescue Team to help with rescues on Walker Lake.
The all-volunteer group assists the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office with emergencies, primarily at Walker Lake, located just north of Hawthorne.
“Mineral County Search and Rescue is greatly honored to receive the donation of this boat from NDOW,” said Glen Bunch, Mineral County Search and Rescue Commander. “Often users of the lake are not aware of the sudden dangers when winds pick up, or a storm comes in and changes wind directions. This lake can be fierce if not respected.”
Originally used by game wardens in the Western Region, the 19-foot Boston Whaler had been on loan to Mineral County over the past few years.
“The Mineral County Search and Rescue team has proven to be highly effective at conducting search and rescue operations,” said Game Warden Captain Brian Bowles, Boating Law Administrator for the state. “This was simply the logical step in building on our valuable partnership with MNSAR to keep Nevada boaters safe.”
The donation included a trailer and outboard motor as well.
“We’re always looking for ways to make Nevada’s waters safer,” said Captain Bowles. “If this donation means that responders can get to a person in need on Walker Lake that much faster, that’s an easy call for us.”