Sublette County won’t have a trial stand-by helicopter after two county commissioners said the cost doesn’t justify the need.

The commissioners had decided to lease a Bell 206 L3 helicopter for 60 days from Classic Helicopter Service (CHS) at a cost of $72,000, primarily for Tip-Top Search and Rescue (TTSR).

The county had budgeted the revenue but no contract was signed.

Commissioners Bill Cramer and Joel Bousman said they reconsidered the lease after receiving several calls from residents who questioned its necessity.

Tony Chambers, a member of TTSR for 15 years, insisted during the July 20 commission meeting a stand-by helicopter contract was vital.

“It’s been a need of ours for many years,” he explained. “It’s not something we just came up with this year.”

According to Chambers, TTSR can validate the need.

If TTSR doesn’t find missing hikers within 24 hours members call for a

helicopter.

Although it has received a helicopter when needed, Chambers said the availability isn’t reliable.

Last year, TTSR had 11 searches that required a helicopter. It borrows helicopters from the Forest Service, as well as emergency life-flights.

Jason Ray, TTSR director, told the Examiner helicopters are difficult to access during forest fires near Jackson.

However, Michael Schrotz with the Bridger-Teton National Forest told the commissioners on July 20 helicopters are available for TTSR searches.

Kirk Davis, Forest Service Big Piney district ranger, agreed, adding TTSR members have to call Teton Dispatch when one is needed.

Classic Helicopter Service (CHS) members said they could offer the county a helicopter that can be used for many tasks – fire, emergency services and search and rescue.

Commission Chair Cramer said the company’s expertise isn’t in question; instead, it’s whether tax dollars should be spent on a stand-by helicopter.

“To me what we are talking about is an insurance policy,” he said. “I’m just not convinced that this is necessary.”

Commissioner John Linn, who is a TTSR dive team leader, continued to express support for the helicopter.

He explained a stand-by helicopter would help TTSR members save people.

“These are the guys who are putting their lives on the line,” Linn said.



For the complete article see the 07-27-2010 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 07-27-2010 paper.