CUSTER, S.D. – Friends of Custer County Search and Rescue has reached the final two contenders in a national competition that could bring a customized rescue vehicle and thousands of dollars in grant funding to the volunteer organization.
The all-volunteer group advanced to the final round of the Land Rover Defender Service Awards in the Search and Rescue category after receiving strong support from voters across Custer County, the Black Hills, and beyond.
The winner will be announced September 12th at the Destination Defender banquet in California. The top organization will receive a customized Defender 130 vehicle along with a $30,000 grant package.
Search and Rescue officials credited the achievement to community members who voted, shared information online, and encouraged others to support the campaign.
Representing the team at the awards ceremony will be longtime member Jim “Buzz” Laverick, the organization’s second-longest-serving active volunteer.
Regardless of the outcome, officials say reaching the top two among search and rescue organizations nationwide is a major accomplishment and a testament to the support of the local community. The organization says it will share the final results after the September 12th announcement.
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