SAR member earns state-level honor

Norm Spidell received the Everett Bogart Memorial Service Award from the Idaho State Search and Rescue Association.

Recognizing his accomplishments and dedication to duty over the last several years, a member of the Elmore County Search and Rescue Team was selected for a state-level honor.

Norm Spidell received the Idaho State Search and Rescue Association's Everett Bogart Memorial Service Award during a ceremony March 14.

Over a six-year period, Spidell directly and personally contributed to more than 25 search and rescue missions that covered Elmore County as well as Boise, Owyhee and Camas counties, according to representatives with the county organization.

"He stepped up as a director, leader and advisor to any communication improvements or requirements needed to cover the cast and difficult terrain that our extremely remote topography officers," said David Kinney, who recommended Spidell for the award. "He has donated his experience and time every time, day or night, and the extremes only let challenge to his skills and ability."

Spidell's efforts made the difference between the victim's survival or disaster in a number of these search and rescue missions, Kinney said. Among them was a rescue on Trapper Creek on the middle fork of the Boise River, which was a direct reflection on his attention to detail.

During that rescue, he relayed information between several agencies working to extract a man thrown by a horse seven miles behind a locked U.S. Forest Service gate. The victim sustained a punctured lung, several broken ribs and other life-threatening injuries.

"The weather was too harsh to allow extraction by air ambulance, and the nearest help was over three hours away," Kinney said.

Spidell's calm disposition and skill allowed six separate rescue agencies to reach the injured man and get him to hospital care in just hours.

"Norm has provided coordination by radio between sheriff's dispatch, SAR units and deputies for nearly every operation since... 2005," Kinney said.

He was also credited with his efforts during several recovery operations involving fatal accidents and incidents. Spidell not only expedited this "difficult process" but helped ease the burden of the sheriff's department in the notification process, Kinney said.

"Norm is an indispensable member of this unit and is truly worthy of the Everett Bogart Award," Kinney said.