WATERBURY, Vt. -
There have been several rescues this week, where police were called to help lost hikers. Since May, new legislative changes have been made to how search and rescues are performed. Just this week, there have been two rescues involving three hikers that have needed assistance from authorities.
Since hiking season is among us, having a detailed plan of action is what police are striving for.
This time of year, Vermont's hiking trails are packed. Search and rescue crews are often needed to help people in trouble and in Vermont that can happen at any time of the year.
"We end up assisting a lot of ski areas with out of bound skiers," said Deputy Commissioner, John Wood, with the Vermont Department of Public Safety.
In the past two months, 24 calls have been made for help. A number that doesn't surprise frequent hiker Aaron Jensen.
"I come across a lot of people who are in over their heads and you have to kind of worry about them," said Jensen.
John Wood, is also the co-chair on the new committee aimed at revising the state's search and rescue law.
"There were issues that were brought up and recognized that some things needed to change," said Wood.
He points to a case in January. He says a 19-year old hiker went missing in Ripton, which included a delayed response of several hours, the teen was later found dead.
"The local fire department wasn't called and had they been there would've been a greater response and a quicker response because they are right there," said Wood.
Since May, a new temporary bill requires the state police to immediately call local firefighters and the Fish and Wildlife Department in a search and rescue situation.
"It's important to critique and review our policies and procedures and it's important to make changes when needed," said Wood.
The current bill in place now is temporary and the committee re-writing the state's search and rescue policy hopes to have the draft finished in November.
