USDA Rural Development program dollars do more than just increase prosperity – they save lives.

Each year, Wolfe County, Kentucky, sees tens of thousands of rock climbers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who visit Red River Gorge and surrounding recreational areas. Anyone who’s spent any time in the woods can tell you, sometimes bad stuff happens.

“In 2023, we did 73 rescues,” said Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team Chief John R. May. “We handle more rescues than any other team in Kentucky.”

Not only does the team handle a high volume of calls for service, they also respond to a wide range of calls, from lost hikers to injured kayakers and rock climbers. Thanks to multiple USDA Rural Development grants, the team is well equipped to respond to just about any situation that may arise.

“If it wasn’t for USDA, we’d still have antiquated equipment,” said Paul Shellabarger, the team’s quartermaster. “Take the Stokes basket (rescue litter) ... we went from an old 35-pound steel basket to a 14-pound titanium version. That weight savings makes a huge difference when you’re carrying this thing miles into the forest and even more of a difference on the way back with someone in it.”

In July 2022, they pressed some of that equipment into use as they were some of the first to respond to calls for help in the Troublesome Creek area. Due to their location and capabilities, they rescued over 40 people before any other rescue units were able to get to the area.

The team can respond faster and handle more situations thanks to the help of USDA Rural Development Community Facilities grants. Whether it’s a rock climber who slips or a hiker who gets lost, when an emergency call goes out that requires search and rescue in the county, the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team responds.