Rep. Schiff recognizes Montrose Search and Rescue on House floor

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) gave a shot out to the Montrose Search and Rescue team Wednesday while addressing his colleagues in the House, citing a June 29 incident in which members found and resuscitated a drowning toddler.

The team had been searching for a missing 33-year-old Bakersfield hiker in the Angeles National Forest when they came upon the 1-year-old girl face down in a pool of water near a picnic area.

Reserve deputies Mike Leum and Janet Henderson aided the girl, who was flown to Northridge Hospital for treatment. She was released later that night.

During his address on the House floor, Schiff took a moment to recognize the search and rescue team.

“That young girl, along with so many others, is alive today because of the heroic actions of the Montrose Search and Rescue team,” he said, according to a transcript provided by his officetoday. “And they do all of this for their community without asking anything in return.”

Here’s the full transcript:

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Montrose Search and Rescue team.

“For over sixty-five years, Montrose Search and Rescue has been conducting life-saving operations throughout the Angeles National Forest and neighboring areas. These brave men and women have risked their own lives time and time again to rescue stranded hikers, victims of natural disasters, and anyone in need of assistance.

“Two weeks ago, their heroism was on full display.  The team spotted a little girl face down, drowning in a pool of running water in the Forest. The 18-month-old girl was unconscious and had stopped breathing when they pulled her out of the water. Thanks to them, this little girl was brought back to life to the unimaginable relief and gratitude of her family.

“That young girl, along with so many others, is alive today because of the heroic actions of the Montrose Search and Rescue team. And they do all of this for their community without asking anything in return.

“Their humbling dedication to service and truly selfless desire to help those in need deserve our respect and gratitude.

“So today, I rise to say thank you, Montrose Search and Rescue, for the great work that you do and for the lives that you save through your efforts.”

-- Jason Wells, Times Community News

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