In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by members of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team as they recount a harrowing mission to save a missing girl who had fallen into a canyon.

The team walks us through the preparation, execution, and challenges of the rescue, offering a firsthand look at the complexities of working in such extreme terrain. From coordinating resources to adapting to rapidly changing conditions, their account highlights the critical importance of teamwork, training, and communication in high-stakes situations.

They don’t only talk about the technical aspects of the operation but also the emotional impact it had on the rescuers themselves. With the successful outcome of this mission, the team reflects on their commitment to serving their community and the driving force behind every call: helping those in need. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Jeff Love from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office search-and-rescue team.

Love shares his extensive experience in Arizona search-and-rescue, from his first missions to today’s more complex operations. He emphasizes the critical role of teamwork, medical training, and tracking skills, in saving lives – while recounting gripping cases where old-school tracking techniques proved vital.

He also shares a powerful story of a base jumper accident that forged lasting bonds among rescuers and victims, and reflects on the emotional impact of such missions. Love underscores the importance of continuous training and mentorship, reminding us that learning flows both ways — veterans guide the next generation, while new perspectives strengthen the entire team. His stories highlight the profound effect search-and-rescue has not only on victims and families, but also on the responders. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by William Boudreau and Kevin Bronson from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Recorded live at their Keene, NH office, the episode dives into how both Boudreau and Bronson earned their place among the state’s elite Search and Rescue professionals. We get a first-hand look at the tools, training, and responsibilities that make New Hampshire Fish and Game the cornerstone of rescue operations throughout the state.

Bronson recalls his first rescue on Mt. Monadnock—a frigid mission to save a woman with a broken leg at the summit—while Boudreau shares memories from a dramatic flood response, where every available officer turned out with trucks, boats, and quads.

Together, they recount a harrowing cliffside rescue: when an evening hike on Mount Kilburn became a life-or-death emergency, a young hiker’s fall sparked a dramatic, multi-agency response. Listeners get an inside look as Fish and Game joined forces with local volunteer SAR climbers, fire and EMS crews, and the National Guard’s H60 helicopter—air and ground teams working in concert to save a life.

The episode also explores the department’s unique capabilities in solving "cold cases," including the search for an individual missing for nearly half a century.

Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Brendan O'Neill, a dedicated drone officer for Mountain Rescue England and Wales.

O’Neill shares his journey into the world of search and rescue and the pivotal role drone technology now plays in modern operations. From locating missing persons to supporting flood and fire responses, he details how drones have become an essential tool for volunteer rescue teams facing increasingly complex challenges.

O’Neill recounts real-life missions which include a heartwarming rescue of a dog named Figgy. This story showcases the emotional impact and effectiveness of drone-assisted rescues. He also opens up about regulatory hurdles, funding needs, and the technological limitations they continue to navigate, such as battery life and data processing in remote areas.

He offers insightful advice for aspiring drone operators and discusses where this fast-evolving technology is headed. Enjoy!

To help donate to the Mountain Rescue England and Wales.

Brendan's local rescue team Derby Mountain Rescue Team

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #98, Dan Lenihan.

Lenihan takes us through his incredible journey from his beginnings in the Navy to becoming one of the Coast Guard’s elite Rescue Swimmers. He shares stories from his time serving in Humboldt Bay, CA; Elizabeth City, NC; and Kodiak, AK, highlighting the intensity of training, the brotherhood of the swimmer community, and the real-life challenges faced in life-saving missions.

One standout mission during Hurricane Grace earned Dan the Distinguished Flying Cross — a testament to his courage and dedication under extreme conditions.

Lenihan wraps up the conversation with heartfelt advice for the next generation of Rescue Swimmers, emphasizing grit, humility, and the honor of serving others. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Darrell Detty, a pilot and hoist operator who recently retired from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Detty shares his inspiring journey from a young boy fascinated by aviation to becoming a seasoned pilot and hoist operator. He reflects on pivotal moments in his life, including his military service, the mentors who shaped his career, and the challenges he faced along the way. 

Detty explores the emotional impact of rescue missions, sharing personal stories and heartfelt letters from grateful survivors. He highlights memorable rescues, including an incident involving a climber stuck, people who fell off cliffs, canyons and swift water rescues and more.

Through these stories, Detty offers valuable advice for aspiring pilots and rescuers, emphasizing the profound impact their work can have on the lives of others — and on their own. Enjoy!

References:

MERIDIAN - Insomnia Canyon Article 

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with U.S. Coast Guard pilot Ryan Vandehei about his path into aviation and the realities of life behind the controls.

Ryan recounts his journey into the Coast Guard and shares insights from his very first rescue mission, highlighting how preparation, training, and lessons learned through mistakes helped shape his career. The two dive into advanced training programs like Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS), and reflect on the importance of communication and teamwork during high-stress missions.

They also discuss rescue operations during Hurricane Dorian and the challenges faced in extreme environments. The conversation takes a powerful and personal turn as Ryan opens up about his own mental health journey—how he recognized the need to ask for help, and how vulnerability became a strength, fostering deeper conversations around wellness in aviation.

This episode is a mix of high-stakes rescues, professional insight, and meaningful reflection on the human side of the mission. Enjoy!

Index: FEB - Flight Examining Board

To find more information on the article [link coming soon] column [link coming soon].

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Matt Nightingale, a volunteer search and rescue dog handler from the UK.
Matt shares his inspiring journey from being a physics teacher to dedicating his time to volunteer search and rescue work. At the heart of his story is Morag—a once-troubled stray border collie who transformed into a fully qualified search dog. He recounts how their partnership began, the training process, and their very first rescue together.
Matt opens up about the emotional and physical demands of search and rescue operations, the deep bond between handler and dog, and the critical role of family support in volunteer service. He also discusses the challenges of night searches, long-distance deployments, and the extensive qualifications required for K9 rescues.
Matt highlights the importance of visibility for search dogs, teamwork in high-stress environments, and the drive to give back to the community. He closes with heartfelt advice for aspiring SAR volunteers and the importance of setting realistic expectations in this demanding but rewarding field. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #305, Jeff Danner.

From his early days growing up in Ocean City, Maryland, to navigating the challenges of Coast Guard boot camp and rescue swimmer school, Jeff shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He recounts his intense first rescue mission involving a capsized tugboat and four people in the water, along with several other unforgettable missions throughout his time in service.

In addition to the rescue stories, Jeff brings us a fascinating history lesson. He discusses his involvement in the development of the Trisar rescue swimmer harness—an innovation that improved both safety and functionality. He also dives into the creation of the Rescue Swimmer seat used in the HH-65 Dolphin helicopter.

Jeff reflects on the creation of the Rescue Swimmer Registry, a meaningful project aimed at preserving the legacy and honoring the achievements of those who have completed the demanding training.

Throughout our conversation, we talk about rescues, innovations, history, and the passion behind a career dedicated to saving lives. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by an outstanding crew from the Phoenix Police Department and Phoenix Fire Department for a behind-the-scenes look at their aviation and rescue operations.

Each member shares their unique journey into public service, giving listeners insight into the passion and dedication that drives their careers. The team dives into the technical aspects of their work, from becoming a crew chief in special operations to the collaboration between regional response teams. They highlight their training, first rescues, and the seamless coordination between the police and fire departments in high-risk scenarios.

They share gripping stories from the field,  including a challenging nighttime swiftwater rescue, and tackle the realities of working in extreme heat, holiday rescues, and dynamic emergencies. Throughout, the team emphasizes the importance of trust, communication, and mutual respect when lives are on the line.

This episode is in partnership with the Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Road Tour — a special series spotlighting some of the most exceptional law enforcement aviation units across North America. Don’t miss The Hangar Z Podcast’s exclusive three-part series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) featuring in-depth conversations with members of the Phoenix PD Air Support Unit, plus an online feature article diving into the evolution of the unit. A video feature will also be dropping soon on Vertical’s YouTube channel.

And the mission doesn’t end here. In the upcoming Vertical Valor APSCON 2025 special issue, the team will go even deeper — shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes behind the scenes: the maintenance professionals and technical crew who keep this high-performance fleet flying, day in and day out. Stay tuned.

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