I plucked this book of the shelf because I have a friend who volunteers with the local SAR group. Search and Rescue: Pacific Coast, by Rachel Dresbeck. As the author said, there are lots of books about the rescued, but this is a book about the rescuers. What an amazing read it was ... the history of how it all got started, a bit about some of the legal battles (where and when they fly, for example), and many of the rescues (or recoveries) that have occurred. Although there were some individuals that came up with a better piece of equipment, or a means of rescue (that were then adopted throughout all the search and rescue groups) this is first and foremost a TEAM effort, and what these teams can do is amazing. I suggest you don't read this just before bed time as it will get your heart pounding!

Partner this book with the one above for an amazing reading experience! Mercy Flights, by Ruth Ballweg, Michael E. Burrill Sr., Michael E. Burrill Jr., and Pirkko Terao is from the Images of America series I like so much. Towns were small and remote, roads were few and not always maintained so travel to area hospitals was hard and took a very long time. George Milligan, a pilot, had an idea ... to create an air ambulance service ... and Mercy Flights was born. This is an amazing story of how it all happened ... from small planes (barely enough room for the pilot, patient, and nurse) to bigger planes, and helicopters. Originally everyone was a volunteer, there was no charge if the patient couldn't pay (see how they solved that problem)! There was a legal battle with the FAA (whose regulations would have closed them down). This is a wonderful history of community, heroes, and service.

Reading Hermit With Dog