So That Others Might Live
When the unexpected happens—whether it’s a lost hiker or a climber in distress— the Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team is ready to respond in the greater Red River Gorge or wherever we are called.
1,600+
People Rescued
50+
Volunteers
1,000+ mi2
Served
Keeping You Safe in the Red River Gorge
The Wolfe County Search & Rescue team (WCSART) is more than a group of first responders—we are a lifeline for the Red River Gorge community. Here’s what we bring to adventurers, families and locals alike.
Saving
Lives
Every rescue mission means someone’s loved one returns home safely. Our skilled, rapid-response teams are here to ensure that hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts get the help they need in critical moments.
Promoting
Safety
We don’t just respond to emergencies—we work to prevent them. Through education, safety outreach and preparedness programs, we help people enjoy the outdoors responsibly, reducing the risk of accidents before they happen.
Supporting Our Community
Our presence strengthens the local community by protecting the area’s residents and visitors. By ensuring safety in the Gorge, we help maintain the region’s reputation as a safe destination for adventurers, benefiting local businesses and tourism.
Volunteer-Driven Commitment
Our dedicated, all-volunteer team brings passion and skill to every mission. We are locals who care about this community and go above and beyond to ensure that no one is left behind.
The Challenges We Face in Saving Lives
As the Gorge attracts more adventurers each year, the challenges for our search and rescue team continue to grow. Despite our dedication and commitment, we face significant hurdles that threaten our ability to complete our life-saving mission.
Limited Funding
We rely entirely on donations to operate. Without steady financial support, it’s difficult to maintain the critical equipment and resources needed for rescue missions.
Aging Equipment
From communication tools to rescue vehicles, much of our gear needs constant upkeep or replacement. Outdated equipment can slow down operations when time is of the essence.
Growing Demand
With more people visiting the Gorge, the number of emergencies continues to rise. Our all-volunteer team is stretched thin, making it harder to respond quickly and efficiently to every call.
Ongoing Training Costs
Search and rescue is a highly specialized field that requires continuous training in advanced techniques and technology. We need funding to ensure our team stays prepared for any situation.
How You Can Help
Wolfe County Search & Rescue thrives on the support of our community. There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference.
Your contributions help us purchase vital gear and medical supplies, which are crucial to every rescue mission. These resources are in constant need of replenishment, and every dollar makes a difference.
We’re always in need of passionate individuals ready to make a life-saving impact. Whether you have rescue experience or are eager to learn, we’d love to have you on our team.
Our Mission
The Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team is dedicated to saving lives by providing essential rescue services in the most challenging environments. Specializing in lost-person incidents, high-angle rope rescues, swift water rescues and water recoveries with a highly trained team of divers, we respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.
Our team’s extensive and continuous training ensures we’re ready for any wilderness situation, from scaling rugged cliffs to navigating fast-moving waters. When every second matters, we are prepared to act. Guided by our founding motto, So that others might live, our mission is to save lives, offer hope and ensure that no call for help goes unanswered.
Real Stories, Real Impact
In July of 2024, after five days of never giving up, WCSART found two crucial clues — the shoe print and walking stick of Scott Hern, a hiker who had been missing in the Gorge for two weeks. The team continued searching the creek above Bell Falls when they heard a faint call for help.
Team member Eric Wolterman raced toward the cry, climbed a steep hill and found Scott, who said, “Thank you so much. Will you give me a hug?” Eric, overcome with emotion, embraced him, saying, “It was the best hug of our lives.”
With the assistance of a Kentucky State Police helicopter, the team hoisted Scott out of the dense terrain. He was then taken by ambulance to the hospital. News of Scott’s miraculous rescue after 14 days — including 12 days without food or water — spread from Kentucky to news outlets around the globe.