Cub Scouts get up-close look at search-and-rescue operations

Local Cub Scouts got a preview Tuesday afternoon on how authorities rescue stranded hikers and climb snowy mountain ranges.

They passed around an ice pick, held snowshoes and tested the weight of a harness. The demonstration, held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in La Cañada Flintridge, was part of the Success Through Awareness and Resistance (STAR) program offered through the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s station.

STAR teaches youth about ethics, values and possible future careers, said Deputy Eddie Tsuang. “You don’t need a uniform to be nice, to be good.”

The program is not funded by the department, so officials must raise money for it, he added.

Montrose Search and Rescue team members participated in the event and quizzed the boys on what to pack when going hiking or camping. The youths also toured the inside of a police cruiser and took an oath to be good.

“Family values is a big part of [the program],” said Tsuang. “And [learning] what they can do as future community leaders.”

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