San Andreas, CA…On 12-31-22 at about 9:30 AM, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Search and Rescue Team was activated to respond to a motorist stranded in floodwater. The motorist drove past warning barriers into swift-moving floodwaters on Jesus Maria Rd near Hawver Rd, Mokelumne Hill. The vehicle eventually became inoperable due to the floodwaters. Deputies arrived before the Search and Rescue Team locating, (5) persons inside the vehicle. The persons were able to exit the vehicle and make it safely to the shore. The occupants were assisted to the medical and fire personnel evaluation.

The Search and Rescue Team was next dispatched to the Castle Rock Mobile Home Park in Valley Springs, to assist with evacuating persons impacted by the rising flood waters. After the evacuation efforts, the Search and Rescue Team was again dispatched back to the flood waters on Jesus Maria Rd near Hawver rd, Mokelumne Hill, for a reported vehicle and driver stuck in the floodwater. Upon arrival, Deputies and rescue crews located a male who was on the roof of his vehicle. The male had driven past the road closure barricades and his vehicle had been partially swept downstream.

The Search and Rescue Team arrived and began coordinating rescue efforts with Mokelumne Hill Fire, Calaveras Consolidated Fire, and Cal Fire personnel. Two Sheriff’s Volunteer Swift Water/Flood experts swam across the fast-moving flood water to reach the victim. Once there, the Calaveras Consolidated inflatable rescue vessel was ferried across by ropes to the victim and rescuers. The rescuers assisted the victim into the boat and ferried him to the awaiting medical staff.

Of particular note, while affecting the rescue, ANOTHER vehicle drove past the road closed signs, past the emergency vehicles, past the emergency personnel, and up to the water’s edge. The driver was promptly turned away by deputies at the scene. While it has been said many times over the past few days, we feel it cannot be said too often. DO NOT DRIVE PAST ROAD CLOSED SIGNS!

The Search and Rescue Team continually accepts applications. All required training is provided, no previous experience is necessary. If you are interested, please contact Lieutenant Greg Stark (209)-754-6783 or visit the website at calaverassar.org.