Here is a little about this year's winner: David McCracken
David McCracken, a local resident living in the Cameron Park area, joined Search and Rescue in 1993 and holds SAR ID number 52. David began his Search and Rescue career with the ground team and quickly began additional training becoming certified through Rescue 3 International as a Swift Water Technician 1 in 1997.
David has taken it upon himself to increase his training, and here are some of his accomplishments:
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Basic Wildland Fire Fighting
• Incident Command Systems
• Numerous FEMA courses
• Emergency Response to Terrorism
• Confined Space Rescue
• River and Flood Rescue
• First responder Hazardous Materials
• Low Angle Rescue
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Trainer
In 2004 David traveled to Alabama in response to Hurricane Ivan with FEMA as a team leader assisting the citizens of Covington County. David was later recognized by the local Emergency Director for his "professional, friendly, and compassionate" interactions with the citizens of his county.
David continued his trend in leadership, taking on roles in El Dorado County Search and Rescue, including past Captain of the Swift Water Rescue Team and current Vice President of the El Dorado Search and Rescue Council Board of Directors.
David continues to promote events throughout the year that generate funds for the Search and Rescue team to include, providing emergency medical services at the El Dorado Hills Wine and Arts Event and the Coloma Blues Music Festival. He also organizes and volunteers along with many other Search and Rescue team members at community events such as the Kids Expo and the El Dorado County Fair.
Not only has David established himself as an accomplished searcher, leader, and trainer over the past 17 years, but most importantly he understands what it means to give back to his fellow team members and to his community in the true spirit of what it means to be a volunteer.
It is for these reasons that David McCracken is being recognized and awarded the 2011 El Dorado County Search and Rescue Volunteer of the Year.
Source: Sheriff's Press Release